Extreme hitte: minder treinen, meer water

NS published an informational article on 22 June about steps taken to prepare trains for the warmer weather. Warm as in heatwave warm, given the recent temperature. They gave an example of having redundant AC units on a six-carriage double-decker train, which I can only assume are the VIRMvand DDZ, and if they both gave out, it would take the trains out of service. They also highlighted problems with these heavier trains and the traction system generating lots of heat, along with the power converters.

A day later, KNMI issues a code orange starting 24 June, and NS will reduce trains on five select routes to better absorb disruptions in the timetable. In this article, they reiterate the same precautions in maintenance and problems with the VIRM as an example.

In both articles, they linked to a page from ProRail on what they do to prepare for the summer heat. This includes detecting spoorspatting (buckling) on the track due to the rails expanding with the heat and performing maintenance on the AC and climate control units in their control cabinets for equipment. They also point out the higher chance of thunderstorms - like the Netherlands had earlier this week (check out this cool photo captured by Rick Beeker) - and how lightning rods and redundant systems help. Reducing the zonal impact of a strike is also considered by keeping equipment responsible for smaller parts of the track.

It just so happens there is also a public transport strike on 24 June, which means no trains running in the morning. When they do resume, the schedule may be changed as well.