The Dutch Railways see no reason to renew the validity of Keuzedagen. These are tickets that allow people over 60 to travel unlimited. The fact that it is estimated that tens of thousands of seniors have followed the advice of the RIVM and avoided public transport does not detract from this, according to the Dutch Railways (NS) to the website Treinreiziger.nl.
The railway company points out that travelers were allowed to make unnecessary journeys again between 1 July and mid-October and that traveling by train is safe. “Someone may choose to avoid public transport at this time. For whatever reason. And of course we fully understand that. But that remains his or her own choice, “Treinreiziger.nl quotes a spokesperson.
NS customers aged 60 and parents with a discount season ticket (Dal Voordeel, Always Voordeel or Voordeeluren season ticket) can travel unlimited for seven days each year at a discounted rate. They must apply for these Keuzedagen. One Keuzedag can be redeemed all year round, the other six are valid for two months.
When the Netherlands went into partial lockdown in March, travelers were urged to only take the train if they had a vital job. In order to accommodate older travelers, the Dutch Railways decided in May to extend the validity of the Keuzedagen until the end of this year.
The railways have decided that the Keuzedagen or coupon codes that will be issued from 30 October will be valid for 12 months, so that they can be used if the travel advice of the RIVM changes. This important adviser to the government advises people over 70 and other vulnerable groups not to use public transport.
The Dutch Railways reports on its website that “Keuzedagen for season ticket holders aged 60+ can no longer be ordered new from mid-2021. Current Keuzedagen recipients will keep them until canceled. ”
Railplus
Next year, more benefits will be lost for older NS customers. Until now, they could apply for a Railplus card for free, which gives a 15 percent discount on the standard fare for travel on international trains to 24 countries in Europe. This scheme only applied to holders of an “old” Voordeeluren season ticket, which has not been sold since 2011. In the future, people over 60, just like other customers, will have to pay 15 euros per year for the Railplus card.
The Rover travelers association is surprised by the news. “Together with the other consumer organizations, we have advised against the discontinuation of free Railplus for people over 60. NS then informed us that it would reconsider the decision. “NS tells Treinreiziger.nl that customers will be informed later this month.
