A proposal to change how conductors are deployed on local trams has drawn strong criticism from worker representatives at city transit operator GVB.
Under the potential plan, dedicated seated conductors would no longer be present on every journey, leaving drivers alone on certain routes or during quieter hours.
The company’s works council warned in an internal communication that reducing staff visibility could lead to lower social safety, more fare evasion, and increased vandalism on vehicles.
Changes to onboard staffing
GVB is currently reviewing its organizational structure for transit safety and exploring ways to combine conductor duties with mobile service and security teams.
This shift could mean that transit staff board vehicles periodically at stops along the line rather than staying on the tram for an entire trip.
Staff representatives expressed specific concern about late-night service, when fewer passengers are riding and travelers often feel more vulnerable without visible crew present.
The works council also noted that newly ordered tram models do not include built-in conductor desks, signaling a long-term move away from fixed onboard positions.
Staff shortages and next steps
The city’s transport company has faced ongoing personnel shortages in recent years, making it difficult to fully staff all daily routes and services.
Management emphasized that no final decision has been taken and that the company remains in an exploratory phase while gathering feedback from employees.
A spokesperson stated that the goal of the review is to create a sustainable model for supervision, customer service, and safety across the municipal network.
The municipality of Amsterdam relies heavily on the tram network to connect central neighborhoods with outer districts, making safety and service quality a central priority for local commuters.
