No more loading smart cards with cash: NS introduces ‘pay as you travel’ service

Since Monday, public transport users in the Netherlands will be able to travel even if their smart cards are empty, under a new scheme to allow passengers on trains, buses, trams and NS bikes to pay once a month. By signing up for NS Flex, travellers will be sent a monthly bill and the amount will be automatically deducted from their bank account. The service will be free for travellers without an NS subscription plan and will cost €5 a month for people with a weekend and off-peak discount card.