The consultation was carried out by the team of the Lelylijn Project, a collaboration between the central government and the regional authorities in the Northern Netherlands.

Participants were not asked if they were for or against the railway from Groningen to Amsterdam, but about their preferences, fears and thoughts. For example, is it important to residents that the Lely Line makes many stops, that travel time be as short as possible or that local residents experience as little inconvenience as possible?

Everyone was allowed to participate in the consultation, but the researchers also contacted a group of people to participate, so that the survey was representative of the population. Among others, the gender, age, and educational level of the participants were examined.

identification

A group of residents of North Holland was also chosen to see if they think differently from the rest of the Netherlands at certain points. The researchers concluded that this is not the case. These residents think the same about many points, but find it very important that the identity of the North Holland does not change and that places from this part of the Netherlands become more accessible.

According to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, the results of the study will be included in the development of plans for the Lely Line. No final decision has been made regarding the railway connection. The national government and the region where the line will be built wants to determine the preferred rail alternative by the fall of 2024, including financing.