Junior transport minister Wilma Mansveld is fining Dutch Rail (NS) €2.75m because passengers were not satisfied with the service in 2013.

It is the second year running that the train operator has been given the maximum fine for passenger dissatisfaction.

Although the NS has improved punctuality, passengers are still dissatisfied with time-keeping, overcrowding during the rush hour, the small chance of finding a seat and the dearth of conductors to check tickets.

The announcement of the fine was made during the presentation of the annual results, which show a slight rise in profit to €180m, mainly due to a windfall of €44m from an agreement with the Italian train manufacturer AnsaldoBreda for the return of the high-speed train Fyra.

‘The NS will invest €8bn over the coming ten years in more new trains, modernisation of existing stock, safety and station facilities,’ CEO Timo Huges said during the presentation.

Mansveld is also finding track operator ProRail €75,000 because there were too many breakdowns in service in 2014.