The largest railway operator in the Netherlands, Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS), has introduced a new regulation prohibiting passengers from placing their luggage on train seats. This decision aims to alleviate tensions amongst passengers and improve the overall travel experience, as many travellers often find this practice frustrating.
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The new rule, which will officially take effect on September 4, 2023, stems from an earlier announcement made by NS in July. Prior to its implementation, the operator was required to consult with the National Public Transport Passenger Council (Locov). Following deliberation, Locov recommended that the new prohibition be enacted as an internal guideline, rather than a formal ban under the General Terms and Conditions of Carriage.
According to an NS spokesperson, the primary goal of this regulation is to eliminate the necessity for passengers to confront one another about occupying seats with luggage. “Seats are for passengers; hand luggage should not unnecessarily occupy a seat,” the spokesperson noted, highlighting the aim to establish a new norm where bags are either kept on laps or stored in designated luggage racks.
Support for the initiative has come from various passenger advocacy groups who perceive it as a positive step towards fostering a courteous atmosphere among rail users. Previously, NS’s policy merely stated that bags should be removed when another commuter requested it. However, it appears that many passengers felt uncomfortable addressing the issue directly. The railway operator believes that by introducing this rule, they can avoid such awkward interactions altogether.
Furthermore, NS is also working to amend its compensation offerings for passengers during service disruptions. This change is part of a broader trend among transport providers, including airlines and train companies, to discourage anti-social behaviour and to enhance the overall experience for passengers.
International examples of similar initiatives have emerged recently. For instance, United Airlines in the United States has implemented a new policy that prohibits passengers from playing videos and music without headphones, outlined in their contract of carriage. This policy grants the airline the authority to refuse transport or remove disruptive passengers from their flights.
Moreover, in the UK, government officials have floated the idea of creating a national blacklist for disruptive passengers, which would enable airlines to share information and potentially ban such individuals from flying across various carriers. This comes in response to rising concerns over passenger behaviour and the desire to ensure a peaceful travel environment.
Returning to the NS rule, the railway operator clarified that while the regulation aims to ensure compliance, passengers who fail to adhere to the new luggage guidelines will not be forcibly removed from the train. Instead, the measure is designed to provide clarity and a sense of established decorum for travellers.
As the effective date of the policy approaches, passengers are encouraged to adjust their travel habits accordingly, ensuring that seats remain available for those who wish to sit, while their luggage is safely stored in the appropriate areas. In a time when train travel remains a popular choice for many, this initiative may very well contribute to a smoother and more enjoyable journey for all.