Facemasks are still required, and people are being asked to check how busy the train is before travelling
Translated by Thomas Ansell
The NS train service has returned to its pre-pandemic timetable, reports the NOS. And, with the Dutch government’s advice not to travel also now expired, Dutch residents are free to explore the country again.
A face mask is still very much required for anyone over 13. Making sure that everyone is masked-up means that the trains can be run at full capacity (where people generally can’t hold a 1.5-metre distance). If you decide, or forget, to wear a face-mask; you’ll get a 95 euro fine.
In a blow for introverts everywhere, keeping the face mask rule means that all of the seats on the train are usable again: so get ready for a heavily breathing stranger reading your book over your shoulder again.
How busy is my train?
On both the NS app and NS website, a ‘fullness’ indicator is now available: rated from one person, to three. The indicator has been tweaked for the pandemic, and shows the train as slightly fuller than before; in keeping with all of our new sensitivities to crowds.
Can I snack away?
According to the NS, whilst you have to wear a face mask at all times, it can be lowered for eating or drinking. Naturally, if you wear your face mask as a necklace whilst taking three hours to eat a single croissant, questions might be asked.
