Around NS

[slammerTel]

2 questions have arisen from my travels around the Netherlands on NS which im hoping you guys will be able to answer.

Firstly, what is the importance of the small white square on the top left of every station name platform sign.

Secondly, on the platforms, as a train is due to depart or even pass thru, a white light with a letter V flashes. What is its importance.

Many thanks in advance.

 

[Bemined]

The white flashing light is there to authorise the guard to start the departure procedure, it will be off when the signal ahead is still at danger and will start blinking when the signal clears. It is used as the main signal might not be visible for the guard.

 

[DanielB]

Firstly, what is the importance of the small white square on the top left of every station name platform sign.

That white square is not important at all, but just part of the corporate identity of NS Stations. (Who own all stations, also the ones served only by regional operators)

As an addition regarding the departure signals: these have started flashing only recently in order to avoid that the guard confuses reflection of sunlight or the platform lighting with the depature signal.