PvdA calls for internet on the train 03/12/2007 00:00

3 December 2007

THE HAGUE – The Dutch Railways (NS) and rail infrastructure manager ProRail should finally make internet access available on the train.
 
Transport Minister Camiel Eurlings should address the companies, which are 100 percent owned by the government, on their failure to make any apparent progress on this so far. The ministry should also invest EUR 15 million in making internet access on the train possible.

Labour PvdA MP Diederik Samsom said this in the Telegraaf on Monday. In further explanation Samsom indicated that NS and ProRail have expressed the ambition to offer internet to train travellers repeatedly over the past years. This access should not be costly and if possible, free of charge.

"It just has not got off the ground, while it would offer a great deal of added value to the traveller," the MP said, who pointed out that many passengers carry internet ready laptops and mobile phones these days. "We want to attract people to public transport. Internet in the train can help."

"The companies [NS and ProRail] sometimes need an extra push and the minister must provide that," Samsom said. "It is time that Eurlings gave them a firm talking to." Samsom will submit the proposal that this be arranged during the debate on the transport ministry's budget on Tuesday.

The EUR 15 million from the ministry would not be enough to provide internet access on trains throughout the country. In total an amount of EUR 50 to 100 million would be needed for that, to cover the hardware as well. "So NS and ProRail will have to invest substantially as well."

[Copyright Expatica News + ANP 2007]

Subject: Dutch news