Dutch Railways (NS) has announced that from 2017 all electric trains running on the Netherlands railway network will power from renewable sources.
According to the International Railway Journal, NS made the announcement during the Dutch national climate conference in Rotterdam, and called upon companies and passengers to make their mobility cleaner and more sustainable.
The move will affect both passenger and freight operators as the entire Dutch railway sector purchases traction energy collectively.
Despite reaching its 100 per cent green milestone, NS is to continue its energy-saving programme with investment in measures to reduce rolling stock energy consumption, such as more efficient traction systems or LED lighting.
In a cooperation with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Environment, the Dutch employer’s federation (VNO-NCW) and the association Nature & Environment NS has started working with 15 large companies, which employ some 200 000 people, on project to foster sustainable mobility.
The main goal is to encourage a modal shift from cars to bikes, public transport and electric transport, incentivising changes in commuting behaviour through more favourable secondary labour conditions, such as the reimbursement of travel costs, parking policy, and housing.
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