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Amersfoort Launches Pilot Offering 1,000 Free Six-Month NS Train Passes to Low-Income Residents

NS says it will use travel data from the trial to consider a broader pass after the results.

Overview

  • The municipality is sending about 3,200 letters with personal codes to eligible residents, who can apply for the Vooruitpas between May 15 and May 31.
  • The pilot provides 1,000 free train subscriptions valid from July 1 through December 31, with allocation by lottery if applications exceed supply.
  • Applicants will be told by June 16 if they received a pass, and subscriptions will be issued between June 23 and June 30 so travel can start on July 1.
  • Eligibility targets people on low incomes, including those who also qualify for the Jeugdfonds Sport en Cultuur, with the city running the signup and lottery process.
  • NS frames the scheme as a study of travel needs rather than a permanent policy, noting that some Dutch cities already offer free bus travel for low-income riders while national rail access has not been arranged.