At a time when a lot of crazy things are happening on public transport and in taxis, it can be quite exciting to travel by train or be picked up by a taxi in the dark. However, there are a few tips and helplines that will make you feel safer if you have to go home alone by train or taxi in the evening.
Tips and helplines so that you feel safer on the train or taxi
The train
- Sit right by the door (on an empty train): When a train is empty, it is best to sit right next to the door. This feels safer than being all alone in a compartment and you can quickly walk out of the train to another entrance if it becomes unsafe. A conductor is not always around, as he helps other travelers, opens and closes the doors or checks tickets. In that case, it is better not to sit somewhere alone, no matter how nice and quiet it may sometimes be.
- Close to the conductor: See the conductor as your friend. They have experience with travelers and know how to act in an unsafe situation. Sit close to the room where the conductor walks to after blowing the whistle.
- Emergency number: Since 2020, as a train traveler you have the option to send a WhatsApp message or text message to an emergency number of the NS: 06-13181318 if you feel unsafe. You can contact the NS control room directly via this number. It is not an emergency number, so if you find yourself in a situation that requires immediate action (such as fighting, groping or other violence), it is better to call 112 immediately.
The taxi
- Don’t stay outside alone for too long: When waiting for a taxi, it is best to only walk outside when you receive a notification that your taxi is coming. This way you won’t be alone for too long and it will save a lot of frozen body parts… brrrrr
- Check your ride: The app often provides all the details of the taxi you reserve. The name of the driver, the license plate and the color of the car. Check carefully whether you are getting into the right car.
- Send your location: When you get in, send your location to your boyfriend/girlfriend/mother, who will then see where you are driving and whether it is in the right direction.
- Bolt recording function: If you travel with taxi platform Bolt, you have the option via the app to record audio during a ride if you feel unsafe. This recording is forwarded to customer service who then reviews it.
- Do nothing when offered personally: Does the taxi driver ask for your number ‘so that you can call him if you ever need a taxi?’ Then you don’t respond to that. It may seem nice, but safety comes first and it is better to just do it via the app.
- Staxi Lady: More than 2 in 5 women feel less comfortable with a male taxi driver, which is why taxi company Staxi has a taxi service provided by women. They mainly serve Amsterdam and the surrounding area and you can make a reservation on the website.
Hopefully these tips will help you feel more relaxed about taking the train or taxi. It will be fine, before you know it you will be comfortably in your bed.
