What personal data do we use?
We use counting sensors that tally foot traffic and map local flow patterns to improve safety at and around the station and to enhance our services. These sensors do not store any images on the device or elsewhere. Previously, WiFi tracking was also used alongside these sensors, but NS has not employed WiFi tracking since 7 January 2021.
We also use camera surveillance at and around the station. Cameras record footage which can be reviewed afterwards. This helps us respond quickly to incidents and supports the detection and prosecution of offences. We use AI technology alongside camera surveillance to assist, for example, by quickly identifying unattended items.
How do we use your personal data?
Over 1.2 million travellers use stations across the Netherlands every day. Stations are special places, serving as hubs for foot traffic and public transport with connections between trains, urban and regional public transport, bicycles and cars, alongside a growing range of services and facilities.
The legal basis for this processing is: legitimate interest.
NS continually works to improve safety and service at and around stations. To achieve this, it is essential to understand the flow of passengers, their routes, dwell times and waiting areas. We map foot traffic at certain major stations using counting sensors. We handle the data collected with care and security, ensuring it cannot be traced, either directly or indirectly, to individual travellers. Your privacy is therefore protected.
We use anonymised data for both public interests, such as safety and crowd management at and around the station, and commercial purposes like deciding locations for services and shops within stations.
NS operates counting sensors at Amsterdam Central, Amsterdam South, Amsterdam Bijlmer Arena, Utrecht Central, Schiphol Airport, and ’s-Hertogenbosch stations.
Camera surveillance is also used at and around the station and inside NS shops. Please note that not all shops and properties within stations are operated by NS. The party responsible for camera surveillance inside a shop is indicated at the shop entrance.
In practice, camera surveillance is an important tool for preventing, detecting and prosecuting criminal offences and handling other violations. It also helps coordinate the targeted deployment of emergency services during incidents or when assistance is requested.
Camera surveillance can also support handling disputes and recovering damages to NS property. It plays a key role in detecting excessive crowding early on, enabling NS to take measures that ensure safe and swift passage through the gates. Without camera monitoring, we could not adequately safeguard the safety of our travellers, staff and property.
Camera surveillance is open and clearly marked by stickers. Both NS and its travellers benefit from these recordings. Cameras are also installed on the front and rear of some trains. These help us deal with incidents on the tracks more quickly and can also be used to prevent future incidents.
Security personnel, Safety & Service staff, train conductors and service employees equipped with bodycams may be present at all stations and onboard trains. They wear bodycams to protect your safety and their own. The recording of bodycam footage is activated by the staff member when a potentially unsafe situation arises.
Without these recordings, it would not be possible to investigate incidents or ensure the safety of our travellers and staff. We ensure all footage is securely stored and access is limited to authorised personnel only.
Who do we share data with?
We engage third parties to provide IT services. These parties act as our processors and handle data exclusively on our behalf for no other purpose. We have agreements in place with them regarding the processing of personal data.
Under certain circumstances, we may transfer your personal data outside the European Economic Area. When we do so, we take appropriate measures with these parties, such as implementing the standard contractual clauses established by the European Commission.
How long do we keep your data?
Images from the counting sensors are not stored on the device or in any other form.
Only authorised personnel have access to camera footage. If no incident has occurred, recordings are kept for 28 days before being deleted. If an incident has taken place, footage is retained until the matter is fully resolved. We may also proactively preserve footage containing incidents if necessary for prevention purposes.