Intercity trains are assigned track codes starting with IC, while Sprinters are simply designated with an S. For example, the connection between Leeuwarden and The Hague will soon be IC6, and the Sprinter between Rotterdam and Uitgeest will run as S75. The numbering runs from IC5 to ICD38, where the D stands for Direct and refers to the high-speed line. The Sprinter numbers run from S41 to S86.
For the time being, the track codes will not be displayed on the outside of the train. They will be visible on the digital boards at stations and on the information screens in the carriages.
The letter and number combinations were not chosen at random. They align partly with the train numbers that NS already uses internally and are also based on the geographical location of the route. Behind the scenes, the implementation is quite a puzzle. On a weekday alone, there are no fewer than 54 different train routes in use during rush hour.
More organized
NS hopes that travel information will become clearer as a result of this measure. 'Especially during unexpected disruptions and maintenance work, line numbers can be a major improvement in communication with travelers, because you not only mention destinations but also the corresponding line number,' says Head of Travel Information Dieuwertje van Egmond. 'This makes your train easier to recognize.'
In many other countries, such as Belgium, it is quite normal for train lines to have their own number. Regional train operators in the Netherlands, such as Arriva, also make use of this. However, until now, NS passengers had to make do with a combination of destination, departure time, and platform. This can be confusing, especially since trains with the same final destination sometimes run different routes, or because only a portion of the trains are cancelled during maintenance work.
For that reason, travelers' association Rover is pleased with the plans. "We have been advocating for this for years," says Frank Visser, policy officer at Rover. "Line numbers can significantly improve travel information, especially during maintenance work and disruptions." However, he points out that line numbers are not the only solution. "The design and language used are also important. Travelers must not only be able to easily see what is going on, but also which alternative is best for them."
Use of color
Before the track codes are permanently introduced, NS is first testing how travelers react to them. From June 15 to 17, a trial will be held at Amersfoort Centraal station where travelers from the NS panel will evaluate the new signage on boards and in the app. In doing so, NS will look at, among other things, whether the numbers are clearly visible to travelers with a visual impairment and whether, for example, the use of color can further increase recognizability.
The new numbering also calls for a new railway line map. To this end, NS is launching a public design competition. Everyone is welcome to participate. In September, a jury of experts will select which design will soon be displayed at stations throughout the Netherlands.
