📋 Tender Overview
In 2023, passengers gave our stations an average score of 7.21. This is evident from the Station Experience Monitor (SBM) 2023. This figure is lower than last year. ProRail and NS carry out this annual survey to find out what passengers think about the stations. As a result, we also know where we can make improvements.
Busier at stations
After three corona years with higher average figures, the station rating in 2023 seems to be more in line with the pre-pandemic scores.
Record score for Klimmen-Ransdaal
The most popular station in the Netherlands is once again Klimmen-Ransdaal. This station on the South Limburg Heuvelland line received an 8.7 from passengers last year. This is the highest score ever since the valuation was measured. Travellers appreciate this station because of its beautiful location in the hilly landscape, and because of the monumental station building from 1913 with restaurant and terrace. On the same Heuvelland line is also the number two Schin op Geul.
Lage Zwaluwe finished in last place with a 4.6. Despite improvements, such as the renovation of the platform and the lighting, passengers continue to find the station devoid of atmosphere. The station is located at a distance from the village and next to the highway. ProRail and NS are conducting research into how they can improve the station. Den Helder Zuid also received a failing grade: a 5.4. We're going to improve that station.
See what we're going to do at Den Helder ZuidSee what we're going to do at Den Helder Zuid
Connection with the environment is crucial
The two stations with an unsatisfactory score clearly show how important the connection between the station and its surroundings is, says Sebastiaan de Wilde, chairman of the board of NS Stations. "These stations are functionally in order, but they are too far from civilization. A station only acquires a soul when it is connected to its surroundings."
He continues: "As far as we are concerned, the station is an important hub for more than just the train. That is why 89 initiatives by local residents, social entrepreneurs and other social partners were given a place at our stations last year."
Work to be done
The scores show that there is still work to be done at many stations, says Karen te Boome, director of ProRail Stations. "We want passengers to feel more comfortable at those stations. Think of a nice shelter, comfortable waiting area and sufficient range of shops."
ProRail and NS have sufficient knowledge and experience to develop pleasant and high-quality stations, she says.
Under renovation
ProRail and NS continue to work on improving stations. Last year, for example, Dordrecht Zuid, Naarden-Bussum, Almere Centrum, Roermond and Tiel stations were renovated.
We are working hard again this year. For example, the brand new Ede-Wageningen station will soon be completed. We are also preparing the Amsterdam Central, Amsterdam Zuid and Groningen stations for the future.
