News

Trains between Boxmeer and Venray will remain suspended through Sunday after a forest fire in the Boschhuizerbergen nature reserve flared up again on Thursday afternoon. Firefighting efforts along the tracks forced operator Arriva to halt rail operations to ensure passenger safety and maintain transport reliability. Rail replacement buses are currently running between the two stations while emergency crews continue containment operations.

Arriva is launching an eight-week pilot of a free self-driving shuttle bus at the Efteling theme park on 12 August. The 20-passenger vehicle features an onboard safety driver and represents the second autonomous public road transit service in the Netherlands. Regional and national officials view the trial as a key step toward integrating automated vehicles into the broader Dutch transport network.

ING says a data leak at a logistics partner may have exposed customer contact details linked to ING Points orders, but financial information and bank systems were not affected.

Researchers argue that subsidizing electric lease cars is a cost‑effective way to protect low‑income households from transport poverty, offering a structural alternative to broad fuel tax cuts.

The Netherlands may see its second official heatwave next week as temperatures climb toward 35°C. Weather services expect a very warm, dry period, with drought concerns continuing.

Fuel prices in the Netherlands have dropped this week, with petrol and diesel becoming several cents cheaper. The decline follows renewed optimism about the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, easing pressure on global oil markets.

ACM has ruled that energy suppliers cannot raise fixed gas prices when new CO₂ and green‑gas rules take effect. Several companies have already removed clauses that would have allowed such increases.

Bol says customer data may be affected by a breach at one of its logistics partners. The incident has disrupted parts of the retailer’s operations, leading to order cancellations and delays. De Bijenkorf reported a similar issue involving a logistics partner earlier the same day.