Tweede Kamer backs more powers for train enforcers on Emmen–Zwolle line
Arriva's enforcement officers on the Emmen–Zwolle line are to get access to residence-status data within a month, after a majority in the Tweede Kamer backed the move against fare-dodging and nuisance.
A majority of the Tweede Kamer has voted for more powers for Arriva's boa's (enforcement officers) on the Emmen–Zwolle train line. The aim is to tackle nuisance from fare-dodging asylum seekers. Asylum minister Bart van den Brink (CDA) is to act on the vote as soon as possible.
Enforcers on the line will get access to data on foreign nationals and their residence status, and must have it within a month. At present police must be called when someone cannot identify themselves, because enforcers are not connected to the Real Time Information Center (RTIC). This is a police unit that works with the control room.
The decision gives Arriva what it had asked for. Earlier it emerged that the company did not intervene against aggressive fare dodgers because of the safety of its staff and passengers.
A similar trial in Rotterdam
Public transport boa's in Rotterdam already have access to the register. According to the 2025 annual report of the transport company RET, the trial is successful: police would no longer need to come to establish a fare dodger's identity in nine out of ten cases. RET says the cooperation saves about 14,000 police hours and 8,500 boa hours.
The cooperation is unique in the Netherlands and not only saves time, but also reduces the risk of escalation.RET, annual report 2025
Follow the story: boa
boa (buitengewoon opsporingsambtenaar)
A special enforcement officer with limited policing powers, who enforces specific laws and rules in a defined area or sector, such as public transport, municipalities or nature areas. Boa's are employed by organisations like municipalities, transport companies or other bodies, and they work alongside the police rather than replacing them. Their powers are set by law and are narrower than those of a regular police officer.
RTIC (Real Time Information Center)
A police unit that works with the police control room (meldkamer) to provide real-time information to officers and enforcement staff. It helps verify information quickly while an incident is happening, rather than relying only on the officers on the spot. Access to such real-time checks is limited to police and the organisations connected to it.