A project to convert the Schiedam - Hook of Holland Line from heavy rail to light metro and link it to the Rotterdam metro network is facing further delays which could push the reopening of the line into 2019.

THE Dutch rail network is set for a new train kilometre record, with the 2019 timetable showing an expansion of train services. However, infrastructure manager Prorail warns the increase is making it increasingly difficult to allocate track capacity among train operators on the Dutch network.

NETHERLANDS Railways (NS) says it is satisfied with its results and performance in the first half of 2018, with more trains operating and passenger numbers continuing to increase. Financial results are also improving, but NS is closely following the developments of Brexit and the potential effects it could have on its business in Britain through its Abellio subsidiary.

THE first modernised Netherlands Railways (NS) Sprinter Light Train (SLT) EMU, and the first of the fleet to be equipped with a toilet, returned to service on August 9.

DUTCH infrastructure manager Prorail says painting level crossing surfaces yellow could improve safety following a successful trial at Baarn on the Amsterdam - Amersfoort line.

MORE than 15 years after the start of construction, Amsterdam’s North-South Line metro line (Line 52) was finally inaugurated on July 21, when eight residents of the city officially opened the line in the presence of the city’s mayor, Mrs Femke Halsema.

PUNCTUALITY on the Dutch network, excluding high-speed, improved to 92.1% in the first quarter of 2018, an all-time record for the network.