The Dutch cabinet is pushing for cheaper train travel outside peak hours during the upcoming summer months. Prime Minister Rob Jetten announced the plan during a parliamentary debate on measures to offset high energy costs, signalling support for a proposal previously put forward by GroenLinks-PvdA.
GroenLinks-PvdA leader Jesse Klaver suggested introducing a three-month off-peak subscription priced at €49. Jetten said such a plan is “likely feasible”. He also indicated the government is ready to move quickly. “We are prepared to take this forward and work with public transport companies to implement it in the short term”.
The cabinet had already tasked a group of public transport officials with examining affordability, but lawmakers are pressing for faster action. A majority in the House of Representatives wants concrete measures introduced sooner.
Jetten acknowledged that urgency, adding that a temporary discount could make public transport more appealing. He also hopes it will encourage people to leave their cars at home more often and potentially become regular public transport users in the long run.
@anp | NEWSBRAINPORT
