Train journeys can sometimes be disrupted by planned or unexpected engineering works. What happens if these works overrun and your train is delayed? Are you entitled to money back? Let us clear this up using the NS money-back-on-delay scheme.
The NS Money-Back-on-Delay Scheme
According to the NS terms and conditions, you are entitled to partial compensation if a train delay causes you to arrive at your destination a certain amount of time later. The compensation generally applies to delays of:
- 30-59 minutes: 50% of the price of a single trip.
- 60 minutes or more: 100% of the price of a single trip.
This scheme applies to both planned and unplanned delays, but there are exceptions.
What about engineering works?
1. Planned Engineering Works:
NS announces planned engineering works in advance via its website, app and station boards. If you experience a delay because of diversions or adjusted timetables that were made known beforehand, you usually do not qualify for compensation. This is because you are expected to plan your journey based on the adjusted timetable.
2. Unexpected Overrun of Engineering Works:
If engineering works take longer than planned and this leads to a delay of 30 minutes or more, you are generally entitled to compensation. NS regards this as a disruption that is beyond your control.
It is important that you can show that the delay did not arise through your own doing, for example with proof of your original travel plan or delay.
How do you apply for compensation?
You can claim this easily via your NS account or this form, but it can be tricky to keep track of, because your trips do not appear in your account right away. Trein-vertraging.nl offers a solution for this: the platform automatically searches your travel history for delays and submits a claim on your behalf. Create a free account here!