High-speed train services to Paris, Brussels could be opened to NS rivals

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Dutch government plans to open high-speed rail connections Several foreign cities competing From 2025, Junior Infrastructure Minister Vivianne Heijnen told the MP at a briefing.

Routes to Brussels, Paris and London, as well as an intercity link to Berlin, will all be open to foreign rail companies, and if the plan is approved by parliament, foreign rail companies may also be able to provide services. I have.

“My starting point is to create international connections that are attractive to travelers,” said Heijnen. “We want to give providers a space to make new international connections and develop initiatives that improve existing ones.”

Bert Groenewegen, CEO of NS, said: Financiere Dougblood Two weeks ago he was shocked by the plan. At that time, it was in the form of a concept. The move will allow “large French and German companies to operate services to Paris, London and Frankfurt without the involvement of NS,” he said.

NS is 100% owned by the Dutch government.

Heijnen said cross-border local train services would not be open to competition because they are unlikely to attract interest from international rail companies.

The European Commission has expressed concern over how most rail services in the Netherlands are not put up for tender, warning that this could violate EU competition law.

MPs will discuss the minister’s proposal next week.