Franchise, transport plan and production model
In December 2014, the State Secretary for Infrastructure and Environment granted the passenger transport franchise to NS, after which the management franchise was awarded to ProRail as of 1 January 2015. Both franchises were awarded for a period of 10 years, enabling NS to use the main Dutch rail network until at least 2025. In late December 2023, the passenger transport franchise for the main Dutch rail network for 2025-2033 was again awarded to NS, allowing NS to transport passengers on the country's main railways until 2033. While the passenger transport franchise is a long-term contract, NS also draws up an annual transport plan for the coming year.
Franchise
In 2023, the Ministry for Infrastructure and Environment granted NS a new franchise, which runs from 2025 to 2033. This franchise will assure our passengers of an extended period of comprehensive, high-quality rail services. The franchise includes a variety of provisions with which NS must comply in order to achieve the high level of quality.
Transport Plan
Every year, NS draws up a new transport plan for the coming year, outlining how it will perform the duty of care arising from the franchise for the main Dutch railway network. In the transport plan, we have linked our ambitions and targets to specific activities and performance indicators for the coming year, so that we can accomplish the goals we have set for the term of the franchise.
The plan also describes the priorities formulated by the State Secretary for Infrastructure and Environment in an annual policy priority brief. NS aims to continue to improve its services, and in the plan it explains how the company will translate the travellers' wishes into concrete actions over the coming year and beyond.
Dialogue
In the process of drawing up our transport plan, we always reach out to consumer organisations, local authorities and ProRail, asking them to weigh in on our plans, give advice, ask questions and/or share their comments. Their input is invaluable in helping us improve the final plan.
Downloads
- NS Transport Plan 2025 (pdf, 6 MB)
- NS Transport Plan 2024 (pdf, 15 MB)
- NS Transport Plan 2023 (pdf, 4 MB)
- NS Transport Plan 2022 (pdf, 4 MB)
- NS Transport Plan 2021 (pdf, 3 MB)
- NS Transport Plan 2020 (pdf, 8 MB)
- NS Transport Plan 2019 (pdf, 2 MB)
- NS Transport Plan 2018 (pdf, 2 MB)
- NS Transport Plan 2017 (pdf, 1 MB)
- NS Transport Plan 2016 (pdf, 960 kB)
- NS Transport Plan 2015 (pdf, 663 kB)
Production model
The 2025-2033 franchise also includes the requirement for a production model to be established, in which NS provides insight into how it plans to develop its existing and intended transport services. These developments fit the agreements made in the franchise contract.
The production model provides insight into how NS plans to develop its transport services to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Environment and third parties, such as local authorities and consumer organisations.