European Commission ends investigation into NS sale of old trains

The European Commission has officially closed its investigation into the Dutch railway operator NS regarding the sale of decommissioned trains. Regulators previously expressed concerns that the company was intentionally restricting competition by preventing rival carriers from acquiring its surplus fleet. In response, NS has revised its sales policy to ensure a fair and transparent process for all interested parties. Going forward, discarded trains will be sold through a public procedure where all buyers receive equal access to information and terms. Buyers must demonstrate financial stability and agree to use the equipment exclusively for rail operations. This initiative aims to assist smaller railway companies, as purchasing brand-new trains is often prohibitively expensive. NS is currently modernizing its fleet with new Intercity, double-decker, and FLIRT sprinter models. To facilitate future sales, the company is launching a dedicated platform that will handle transactions and financing details starting in September 2027. This change ensures compliance with EU standards, fostering a more competitive market across the rail sector.