Five hundred residents of Nijmegen will receive free train travel for six months starting on 1 September 2026. The participants can travel free of charge during both peak and off-peak hours. The municipality is participating in a new pilot project with national railway operator NS.
Tackling mobility inequality
The initiative aims to combat mobility inequality across the region. Additionally, the project helps the NS gain a better insight into the travel needs of people who view travel costs as a significant barrier.
Amersfoort previously announced a similar partnership with the NS. One thousand residents from Amersfoort will also join the trial, with their free travel period starting earlier on 1 July 2026.
Selection and application process
The municipality of Nijmegen expects high demand for the project. If registrations exceed the five hundred available spots, officials will use a fair lottery system to select the final participants.
The local government will actively approach eligible low-income families for the trial. Officials plan to send an informational letter to residents who currently use the city’s discounted bus fare scheme to highlight this new opportunity for free train travel.
@ anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
