The plan for months without trains in Zeeland continues, despite strong criticism

The plan will continue until trains between Vlissingen and Goes will not run for four months due to testing of a new security system. State Secretary Jansen for Public Transport said this today in Zeeland. Reporters from Broadcasting Zeeland there was

As a result of the test, train traffic will come to a standstill for months in 2028 or 2029. The plan has attracted a lot of criticism from, among others, the education department, Zeeland politicians and entrepreneurs.

The Secretary of State spoke to opposition in Zeeland today. He said he understood the opposition, but he had to look at “the bigger picture”. According to Jansen, it is good that the system is being tested and that Zeeland is the most suitable place.

It was also thought to test the Hanzelijn, the route between Lelystad and Zwolle, but according to Jansen the effect would be much greater there. The system was previously tested in Friesland.

The Secretary of State understands that if Zeelanders get the feeling that The Hague does not pay much attention to them. “I come from Flevoland, where the government has also done things that were badly received there. On the other hand, I look at what is good for the Netherlands, and that is a second part of the way for the test.”

The government has previously promised a multi-million dollar package of compensation measures for Zeeland, including new transport and “proper travel information”. There will also be a bus line for students parallel to the route and agreements have been made about future investments.

Zeeland politicians would like additional conditions during the trial period, such as a shorter trial and Dutch bus drivers on the other transport. But the Secretary of State doesn’t want to make any guarantees about that. He points out that the Frisians did not receive any compensation during the trial in their province.

Regional groups BBB, VVD, CDA, SGP, D66, FVD, JA21, SP and CU will submit a motion in the next State Assembly to make it clear that they do not consider Zeeland a suitable place for the trial . A petition has also been started to block the trial.