Staff shortage forces train service cuts in Netherlands

ROTTERDAM, Netherlands

Train services in the Netherlands will be slashed starting next week due to an ongoing shortage of personnel, railway operator NS announced on Monday.

The timetable for train routes “will be further adjusted due to the staff shortage” from Nov. 7, according to an NS statement.

“Fewer trains run on a number of routes,” the operator said.

According to local media reports, the company has been unable to fill more than 2,000 vacancies in its total workforce of 20,000.

If the staff shortage is more than expected, train services could be canceled at the last moment, NS added, advising passengers to check timetables and plan accordingly.

It said train routes have been busier than usual due to previous changes in services.

The operator warned that passengers will encounter more frequent transfers, especially on weekends and in the evenings.

The decision to reduce train services is not out of choice, the company said, but there was no other option.