Classic Dutch Plan V Train Returns to Service

A beloved piece of Dutch railway history is set to briefly return to the tracks. In early 2025, the iconic Plan V train unit 904, nicknamed "De Karel," will resume passenger service on the "Kippenlijn" route between Amersfoort and Ed-Wageningen.

The revival stems from operator Keolis facing a temporary rolling stock shortage due to its fleet modernization plans. To maintain reliable service, Keolis has leased the vintage Plan V train numbered 2454 from the Stichting 904 Crew foundation. The train has undergone technical inspections at Brouwer Technology in Roosendaal and now sports the blue-and-white livery of Valleilijn, a brand name soon to be replaced by RRReis.

Valleilijn ("Valley Line") is a public transport route through the Gelderse Vallei, an area located 25–30 kilometers east of Utrecht, connecting Amersfoort and Wageningen. Until December 2023, the line was operated by Connexxion, a subsidiary of Dutch Transdev, before Keolis took over. The temporary return of this classic train not only alleviates the capacity gap but also offers passengers a chance to revisit the nostalgic charm of Dutch rail history.