As a student studying in Maastricht and living in a different City, I rely heavily on daily transport provided by Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) for my education. The journey is significantly more convenient and efficient with NS compared to other services like Arriva. However, I have witnessed first-hand how many fellow students struggle due to the high cost of commuting, especially those who have been unfairly denied access to free public transport. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a barrier to education.

Public transportation is an essential service for students aged 12-18 attending middelbare schools across the Netherlands. Many students travel long distances daily to access quality education, which should be a right, not a privilege dictated by the distance one lives from school. The financial burden of transport fares can be overwhelming for families, particularly those with modest incomes.

The solution is simple yet impactful: extend free public transport to all middelbare school students aged 12 to 18. By implementing a government-regulated program, overseen by NS and supported by accurate ID checks utilizing the OVPay system, we can ensure that every student is afforded the same educational opportunities without the stress of prohibitive travel costs.

The Dutch government has a proud history of supporting education and investing in the youth as the future of our society. With annual budgets already allocated for educational aid and infrastructure, reallocating funds to support transportation initiatives could have long-lasting positive effects. According to studies, student access to free or reduced-price transportation directly correlates with improved academic performance and reduced dropout rates, indicating societal benefits that extend far beyond financial savings.

The NS as a state-owned company must make equitable education access part of their mission, aligning their corporate responsibilities with national educational goals. By doing so, they contribute to a more knowledgeable, skilled, and ultimately prosperous national workforce.

By signing this petition, you are supporting a fair chance for all students to continue their studies irrespective of their financial status. It's time we urge the Dutch government and NS to act by investing in our future and granting students aged 12-18 attending middelbare schools the free public transport they deserve. Please sign and make education accessible to all.