The results of the study show that whether or not having a place to sit on the train is essential to the overall
experience. Only when passengers have a good place to sit they can experience a true moment of peace and
relaxation. This is currently the only peak in the emotion curve. Furthermore it appeared that the transportation to
and from the station greatly influences the total experience. Travelling by bike or on foot is much more relaxed than
by bus, tram or car. This gives customers the feeling that they have more freedom and control. Last but not least a
real peak at the end of the journey is currently missing. Although at this point nothing is expected of NS, this is a
chance to offer something that transcends expectation and which is memorable (see for example ETC paper of
Lekkerkerker, Mook, Van Hagen & Van Houten, 2012).
Respondents furthermore named seven emotional themes which they felt deserved particular attention. The
experience themes and emotion curve enable us to view our service provision in a new light, affording us input 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).