NS keeps delay refunds but ends strike-time alternative transport payments

When trains stop, the passenger’s real question is not the policy name but how to get home and who pays for a taxi or another route. NS says that from 4 September 2026 it will change strike compensation. Geld Terug bij Vertraging for qualifying delay remains, while reimbursement of alternative transport during strikes, previously capped at €25 per person per day, disappears. NS reports roughly 180,000 alternative-transport claims during the June 2025 strikes, with €4 million claimed and about €2.8 million approved; ordinary delay refunds generated more than 30,000 claims worth about €335,000. Hokimi’s conclusion is that these mechanisms must not be confused. Recovering part of a fare does not mean NS organises or pays for the journey home. Before a national public-transport strike, check the live official plan, cancellable commitments and an emergency travel budget rather than researching the rule on a closed platform.

• The NS change takes effect on 4 September 2026 before a national public-transport strike.
• The strike-time €25 alternative-transport reimbursement ends, while Geld Terug bij Vertraging remains.
• NS says about 180,000 alternative-transport claims followed the June 2025 strikes.
• A delay refund does not mean NS pays for a taxi, rental car or other route home.

Hokimi field note: After 4 September, keep the itinerary and disruption notices and use the normal delay-refund route when eligible. Treat the alternative route, cost ceiling and decision to travel as separate choices.

Information verified on 24 August 2026 · Source1 · Source2