NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen) will run fewer trains on several routes starting Wednesday, 24 June 2026, due to forecast high temperatures. The rail operator explained that train components can overheat when temperatures reach around 30 degrees Celsius or higher. Systems face the highest risk of failure when warm nights prevent trains from cooling down properly. By reducing services over the coming days, NS aims to manage potential technical disruptions more effectively.
Affected routes and weather dependencies
The service reductions affect the following routes: Rotterdam to Schiphol via Leiden, Arnhem to Schiphol via Utrecht, The Hague Central to Amsterdam, Alkmaar to Sittard, and Rotterdam to Utrecht. An NS spokesperson could not confirm how long the reduced timetable will last, as the schedule depends entirely on upcoming weather patterns.
Additionally, fewer trains will run between Bergen op Zoom and Zwolle on Wednesday only. This specific route typically uses heavy double-decker trains that are highly sensitive to extreme heat. However, the spokesperson noted that engineers can swap these units out, allowing normal services to resume on this line after Wednesday.
Strike disruptions and passenger advice
NS advises passengers to prepare well for their journeys and check the travel planner immediately before departure. The operator recommends that travellers carry water and look out for vulnerable passengers around them.
Furthermore, a nationwide strike will halt all train traffic on Wednesday morning from 04:00 to 08:00. NS will restart the timetable after the strike ends, though the company warned that journeys will remain disrupted throughout the rest of the morning.
@ anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
