GoVolta allowed to carry domestic passengers from next week
ACM expects the new open-access services not to threaten the main rail network.
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From 28 September, GoVolta may also carry passengers between Dutch stations on its trains to Berlin. The new Amsterdam–Paris service will have the same possibility from 14 December, after ACM assessed its impact on the main rail network.
The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets has authorised the domestic use of several of GoVolta’s international train services. The company initially carried passengers only between the Netherlands and foreign destinations. That restriction has now been lifted, making journeys between Dutch stations possible as well.
On the route to Berlin, the trains run between Amsterdam Centraal and Berlin. According to the published timetable information, Dutch stops will be added in Hilversum, Amersfoort, Apeldoorn, Deventer and Hengelo. Domestic ticket sales are due to begin on 28 September.
The future Amsterdam–Paris service may also carry domestic passengers. It will have Dutch stops in Haarlem, Den Haag HS, Rotterdam Centraal, Lage Zwaluwe and Roosendaal. The intended start date for domestic transport on this route is 14 December.
At NS’s request, ACM investigated whether the new services would disrupt the economic balance of the main rail network concession. The regulator concludes that the balance is not at risk and that access to the railway infrastructure must be granted.
According to an independent railway publication, ACM expects no significant negative effect on NS. In reaching that view, the regulator weighs the possible decline in passenger-kilometres on NS services against the new transport generated by the international trains.
The decision increases competition on parts of the Dutch rail network, but says nothing about punctuality, final ticket prices or the practical operation of every service. Timetables may still change. According to reports, GoVolta was not yet able to comment substantively shortly after the decision was published.
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- ACM has authorised the domestic use of GoVolta trains.
- NS requested an economic balance assessment.
- ACM saw no reason to refuse access to the railway network.
Left
Arguments More carriers can give passengers greater choice and reduce dependence on a single dominant rail operator. Competition is particularly valuable when affordability and accessibility are central.
Values Public accessibility, affordability and fair market access.
Consequences Greater open access could lead to a better service, but requires oversight of working conditions, reliability and the allocation of scarce rail capacity.
Centre
Arguments New providers are welcome as long as the continuity of the main rail network is not harmed. The economic balance assessment is an institutional way of evaluating that in advance.
Values Stability, independent assessment and practical feasibility.
Consequences The market can be opened cautiously without abruptly undermining the existing concession.
Right
Arguments An open railway creates room for entrepreneurship and innovation. If a company can fill empty seats on international trains with domestic passengers, there is no need to prevent that through regulation.
Values Competition, freedom of choice and efficient use of infrastructure.
Consequences Greater commercial freedom could improve services, but loss-making routes must not ultimately be passed on to the public sector.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The routes, stations, dates and ACM assessment were checked directly with the regulator and a specialist railway source. The article makes no unsubstantiated claims about prices or punctuality.
- confirmed From 28 September 2026, GoVolta may carry domestic passengers on the Amsterdam–Berlin service. — ACM gives this as the intended start date. source
- confirmed 14 December 2026 is the intended start date for Amsterdam–Paris. — ACM gives this date. source
- confirmed ACM concludes that the economic balance of the main rail network concession is not at risk. — This is stated in ACM’s decision. source
- confirmed The Dutch stations on the Berlin route include Hilversum, Amersfoort, Apeldoorn, Deventer and Hengelo. — Mentioned by Treinreiziger on the basis of the timetable information. source
Editor's note
The authorisation and planned dates have been confirmed by ACM. The practical timetable and passengers’ eventual experience may still change.Sources
- Melding nieuwe passagiersdiensten per spoor door GoVolta — Autoriteit Consument & Markt
- Besluit economisch evenwichtstoets treindiensten GoVolta — Autoriteit Consument & Markt
- GoVolta mag nu ook in Nederland reizigers vervoeren — Treinreiziger
More on this in Dutch media
- AD — „govolta treinen”
- de Volkskrant — „govolta treinen”
- RTL Nieuws — „govolta treinen”