Strop 11 billion: what went wrong with the Fyra?

Everything was pulled out of the closet to find out how it is that despite a huge investment drive rapid train from Amsterdam to Brussels.

Guilty?

One culprit designate for Fyrafalen is virtually impossible. The chances of the parliamentary committee of inquiry will do so, it does not seem large. Well probably lessons to be learned for the future, so hopefully it can never go so wrong.

1. How did it start?

   A fast train from Amsterdam to Brussels, the Netherlands finally had to close fully in the European high-speed network: that was the dream since 1988 was pursued by NS and the Dutch state. In 2000 began the construction of the railway. In 2001 it was announced that NS, together with colleagues from the Belgian SNCB, would regulate the fast connection.

2. NS Why did provide the fast trains?

   In the 90 NS became an independent company. In order to be allowed to operate the new high speed line, had to be offered. NS put much too high, for fear of foreign competition on the Dutch track, and won the concession. But to earn that money back, NS went along with SNCB, looking for cheap trains. They found the two at the Italian company AnsaldoBreda.

3. What went wrong?

   The question should really should be 'what went wrong'. From the order in 2004, there was stuff on the new trains. To the Italians eventually deliver two years late the first train out. Much later than planned, on December 9th, 2013, go to the first brand new trains between Amsterdam and Brussels riding. But when it starts to snow in January, are almost all Fyratreinen silent. On January 18th, 2013 will receive the train in Belgium bans new trains are all removed from the track.

4. What it cost?

   The Fyraproject cost, according to the parliamentary committee of inquiry altogether sure 10.8 billion. That includes the cost for the construction of the track itself in, where now Intercity Direct and Thalys drive over. The trains themselves have NS cost around 88 million euros. This amount is slightly lower because the trains are sent back to Italy and a portion of the purchase price refunded.

5.  

   What happens next?

   The expensive rail between Amsterdam and the Belgian border is meanwhile hardly used where it is intended for: high-speed flash through the Dutch Randstad. The Intercity Direct which are now on the run, is not nearly as fast as the Fyra should have gone. NS is working on new trains to go faster, but it will not be ready until 2021. A delay of almost 10 years.

© metronieuws.nl/by Rens Oving/ Fyra. Photo: Reuters