Netherlands Railways (NS) fears a government plan to scrap the tax-free travel expenses compensation scheme will lead to empty trains and congested roads.

The measure is part of a raft of budget cuts agreed earlier this spring.

In the Netherlands workers are eligible for tax-free travel expenses compensation from their employer if they live further than ten kilometres away from their place of work.

According to NS, the measure will cost the average rail pass holder more than 100 euros a month. NS added that a shift away from public transport towards the use of private cars would adversely affect the environment.

(gsh/imm)

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