Every working day, NS runs more than 5,000 Sprinter and Intercity trains to provide over 1.3 million train journeys. NS is investing in purchasing, refurbishing and upgrading trains, largely in response to growing passenger numbers. Proven technology, sustainability and convenience for passengers have the highest priority. Passengers experience more seating and greater comfort because the availability of trains has increased. The investment in the procurement and upgrading of rolling stock totals €3.5 billion for the period to 2022.

Upgrading Intercity trains

NS will be upgrading a total of 80 double-decker trains (VIRMm1) with 415 carriages in the period through 2020. In March 2018, NS announced the upgrade of another 45 double-decker trains of the VIRM 2/3 type. This involves 242 carriages with 24,500 seats. These trains will get comfortable seats, modern lighting and recharging facilities in both first and second class, and art. The first modernised trains from this series will start running in 2021.

Upgraded Sprinter trains

In August the first upgraded Sprinter trains (SLT type) with toilets and retractable steps started running on the track. The upholstery of all the chairs in these trains was also renewed. Up to the end of 2018 we worked on building experience in renovating these trains, after that we started the conversion of the entire series. In 2019, all SLTs will be getting new, artificial leather upholstery. The expectation is that all 131 train sets will have been renovated by the end of 2021.

New Sprinter trains

The first of the 118 new Sprinters ordered from the Spanish train manufacturer CAR started running on the track on 9 December 2018. The trains are being introduced in the timetable gradually in the north and west of the country. In December 2018 NS ordered 88 more Sprinter trains from CAF. This means we are expanding the number of seats by a further 15,000. The investment involved in this is approximately €400 million. This order takes the total NS investment in new and upgraded trains to around €3.5 billion.

Opening of the new Intercity production hall

In November train manufacturer Alstom opened the production hall for the New Generation Intercity trains in Poland. These are the new, fast NS Intercity trains that will run from 2021 onwards. The first trains will be leaving the factory in 2019, which is when the process of testing, authorisation for use and training will start. These fast single-decker trains (maximum 200 km/h) are suitable for both conventional tracks (the main rail network) and the high-speed line. There will be 25,000 extra seats in total. With toilets that are accessible for wheelchairs, Wi-Fi, journey information screens, separated waste collection, LED lighting with Intelligent Light Control, (USB) sockets in 1st and 2nd class, retractable steps for better accessibility and extra baggage space, the train has everything you could want during the journey.

Our trains