NS carries 1.2 million people a day in 5,200 Sprinter and Intercity trains. Because passenger numbers are increasing and a proportion of our trains are due for replacement, NS will be investing over the coming years in purchases, revisions and upgrades. Proven technology, sustainability and convenience for passengers have the highest priority.

Investing in new Sprinters

NS is investing in new Sprinters. NS has ordered 58 new Flirt type trains from supplier Stadler and 118 trains from CAF. The first Stadler Sprinter trains started operation in December. The CAF Sprinter trains will become operational in 2018. This adds around 36,000 seats. Both types of trains meet strict technical requirements, are energy-efficient and are fitted with wide doors. A retractable step makes getting on and off the train easier for people with functional disabilities or luggage. Transparency and more light improve the perception of safety in the train. The Flirt and the CAF trains have separated flows of waste collection in the vestibule. The art is inspired by Mondrian.
Since the 2017 timetable, NS has been running the regional franchise between Gouda and Alphen. NS has had 6 more trains built for this. The inside and outside of the trains match the red-and-grey house style of R-net.

A new generation of Intercity trains

In July 2016, NS signed a contract with the train manufacturer Alstom for supplying 79 new single-decker Intercity trains. The new trains are planned to come online from the 2021 timetable onwards. These are trains with a total of 25,000 seats that can run on both the regular network and the HSL. These new Intercity trains travel at a maximum speed of 200 km/h and have everything the passenger needs: electricity sockets, Wi-Fi, climate control and wheelchair-accessible toilets. The new train has the ERTMS safety system, which is the European standard.
The introduction of the new trains will also ensure that the HSL is used more efficiently than originally planned, and that the frequency and speed on some routes can be raised.
The design phase with Alstom to finalise the design started in the autumn of 2016. In addition to technical design decisions, one element of the design was the choice of seats. NS places great store on the travel experience of its customers. For that reason, a group of 20 rail passengers tested the seats on 1 November, together with representatives from Rover and LOCOV (the national public transport users' forum). NS staff assessed whether the seats are easy to maintain and clean, and whether they are resistant to damage (vandalism).

Upgrades of Intercity coaches and double-decker trains

NS is upgrading the VIRM-1 type double-decker trains. This affects 81 trains with 416 coaches. Sustainability is an important factor. Some elements, such as the cab and vestibule, are to be reused as much as possible. LED lighting that adapts to daylight levels will be added. The trains are also getting additional luggage space, an efficient climate conditioning system and a close toilet with a bioreactor. The upper deck will be suitable for reading or working, with seats in twos and business-like decor. The lower deck will be more informal, with seats opposite each other and a lounge seat. The first modernised trains will start running in 2017. The upgrades will take until 2020.