ProRail is to adjust its train tariffs

The tariffs for lighter trains must be set lower than Dutch network infrastructure manager ProRail had initially determined. This is the result of the decision taken by the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) following a complaint about these tariffs, filed by rail companies Arriva, Connexxion, Syntus, and Veolia. For their passenger transport operations, they normally use lighter trains. ACM has instructed ProRail to reorganize the weight classes, taking into account these lighter trains.

Cost-based tariffs

The tariffs that ProRail charges rail undertakings for the use of railway infrastructure must comply with the Dutch Railway Act. This act mandates that the tariffs set by the railway infrastructure manager should be based on the costs associated with train use, such as wear and tear on the rail tracks and switches. ProRail introduced tariffs that worked out unfavorably for lighter trains (weighing less than 120 tons). For such trains, rail companies had to pay the same tariff as for trains weighing 160 tons. ProRail has now been instructed to review its tariffs.