tored in their proper stand, even indoors. Sometimes, they have been left so unorderly that it is really difficult to get
past them.” “The steps are (…) an obstacle. I am always happy when I reach the top/bottom without falling or
breaking my neck.” Customers wonder if they are indeed the focus of a railway company’s provision of service.
Actually addressing this also complies with customer needs 2 and 4 (feeling welcome). This would result in a
greater emotional bond between customer and railway company than if this were a purely functional service.
Personal attention from employees can play an important role here.
• Maintaining the only peak in the Customer Journey: sitting on the train. Ensuring that passengers have a
seat so that the time spent on the train can also be considered valuable time (= personal time). This is essential for
the experiential value of our service. Without this moment there is not one peak in the emotional curve! “I always sit
in a silence compartment because I relish the peace and quiet there. That’s when I like to read a book.” “For me
relaxation is my primary motive for choosing the train as mode of transport. In my opinion, this territory is one USP
waiting to be explored by NS.”
• By creating a peak on leaving the station, NS has the opportunity to give (particularly lust) customers a
memorable and positive experience. For them, arrival at their destination is an uncertainty: where to now?
5.2. Practical implications
In combination with the peak-end rule, the Customer Journey seems applicable to the railway sector. A thorough
analysis of the customer experience during each phase (touchpoint) of the journey, and the importance of that phase for the customer paves the way to improvement measures and future investments. It is evident that it is more
worthwhile (to continue) improving the relevant peaks and not to try and improve all touchpoints. On the basis of
evidence-based design, a next step would be to test improvements to any peak in practice. Specifically this means
that small-scale pilot projects need to be carried out to demonstrate whether improvements are in line with the
theory and which are truly able to increase customer ratings.
The results of this research enable us to view our service provision in a new light, affording us information to
address the elements that make customers enthusiastic. In other words it offers NS input to make the right (policy
and investment) decisions and to adequately address our processes (doing the right things right).
5.3. Scientific implications
The conducted research is a qualitative one and a logical recommendation would be to quantify the customer
journey. On the one hand to determine how strong the emotions are on the Y-axis in the various phases and for
different groups of passengers, such as must and lust; on the other hand to determine the importance and experience
of the duration of each phase in the chain. Such a quantitative insight will enable a more accurate decision on
whether the peaks are too low and to what degree certain peaks are relevant and can be improved.