The Dutch national railway company, NS, has asked the justice ministry for permission to equip 75 of its security workers with batons, citing a sharp rise in violence on trains and a reduced police presence at stations.
The company says the proposed pilot project is intended to better protect staff and passengers. NS security personnel are already authorised to detain and fine individuals, wear bodycams, and use handcuffs—but are not currently allowed to carry weapons.
NS safety director Edwin van Schijndel said security staff have increasingly taken on police-like duties due to a shortage of officers at train stations. “This is about extra support, not escalation,” he told Dutch media.
Violent incidents on NS trains have more than doubled in recent years, from 160 cases in 2019 to 340 in 2024, according to the company.
The justice ministry confirmed receipt of the request and said a decision on whether to allow the trial would be made in due course. Some NS staff have expressed concerns about the plan, with critics warning that introducing weapons could make situations more dangerous rather than safer.
