Train passengers in the Netherlands will no longer be allowed to place their bags on empty seats, even when trains are not crowded, under a new rule introduced by Dutch rail operator NS.
Under the current rules, passengers only have to remove their bags if someone wants to use the seat. However, NS has updated its conditions of carriage to ban luggage from occupying seats altogether.
Passengers will now be required to keep their bags on their laps or place them in the luggage racks, according to Dutch broadcaster NOS.
NS said bags taking up seats have become one of the biggest complaints from passengers.
Daan Zieren, director of travellers’ organisation Rover, told NOS that the issue ranks among the top three frustrations for train users.
“People increasingly pretend not to notice how busy it is, by staring out of the window, for example,” he said.
According to NS, many passengers no longer feel comfortable asking others to move their bags because of growing tension and aggressive behaviour on public transport.
Conductors will remind passengers to follow the new rule, but they will not issue fines. Instead, NS plans to install posters on trains to raise awareness.
Rover has welcomed the rule change but said it wants clear guidance on how it will be enforced. The organisation compared it to the quiet carriage policy, where signs and social pressure eventually encouraged passengers to follow the rules.
