The national railway passenger traffic in the Netherlands shows fluctuations over the past decade, with notable impacts from external factors, such as the significant drop in 2020 due to the pandemic, down by 16.98%. This was followed by a partial recovery in 2021 with an increase of 14.48%, and a steadier growth in subsequent years. As of 2023, the passenger traffic stood at 17.67 billion passenger kilometers. Forecasts suggest a stable but minimal growth pattern through 2028, with a 5-year CAGR of 0.03% and an overall growth rate of 0.13%.

Future trends to watch for include:

Technological advancements in rail transport and the adoption of sustainable energy sources.
Policy changes promoting public transportation and affecting passenger behavior and demand.
Economic factors such as inflation and fuel prices potentially impacting ridership.
Post-pandemic recovery trends continuing to shape passenger frequency and patterns.