The Crew
Every day, dozens of people work in and around Rotterdam Central. Each has their own role and is responsible for their own part of the station. Discover the stories of those who bring Rotterdam Central to life.
Every day, dozens of people work in and around Rotterdam Central. Each has their own role and is responsible for their own part of the station. Discover the stories of those who bring Rotterdam Central to life.
'Even after midnight, you should be able to feel safe here.'
As a team leader at G4S, the company responsible for the security of Rotterdam Central, Baris is a key figure: “When it comes to the safety of both visitors and staff, I connect people and resources. Everyone must feel safe at the station throughout the day. When it gets quieter in the evening hours, we are extra vigilant.”
Baris has now been working for Rotterdam Central for 24 years: “The sense of security has truly improved over the years. The new station is clear and has few blind spots. And thanks to the mandatory check-ins at the gates, disturbances have significantly decreased.”
Baris describes the work at Rotterdam Central Station as varied: “The Eurostar London terminal follows the same security procedures as Schiphol. Our teams ensure that travelers and their luggage are checked before they pass through customs. Just like at an airport.”
'This station is all about human energy, just like the rest of the city.'
For chief conductor Dorothea, Rotterdam is not only her base but also her home: “I am not a born Rotterdammer, but I have found my place here. Everything you hear about the city and its inhabitants is true: I experience Rotterdammers as honest, down-to-earth, and reliable people. We stand by each other. And even though Rotterdam is big, you don’t have to feel lost here.”
“Rotterdam Central Station is the city in miniature. We respect each other. From disruption technicians to security staff, and from cleaners to train personnel, it feels like one family. When I arrive at this station at the end of my working day, it feels like coming home.”
“My background is in archaeology. That’s where my historical awareness comes from. I also loved the previous station building, designed by architect Van Ravesteyn. It’s nice to see elements from that period reflected in the current station. And yes, this building is a beauty too!”
'As soon as I become invisible, everything at the station runs smoothly.'
“Together with two colleague advisors, I oversee the maintenance of station buildings in what we call the Randstad South region. This includes Rotterdam Central, but also Leiden, Gouda, and other stations in the wider area. So it’s quite an extensive region.”
Hans mainly does his work behind the scenes, quietly and invisibly to station visitors. That doesn’t take away from the fact that his role is essential to keep a large building like Rotterdam Central running smoothly. “Stations are incredibly complex and are used intensively. You can imagine that maintenance never stops and must always be carefully managed. Each day this brings a challenge for us.”
He finds it admirable how the staff at Rotterdam Central do their best to keep the building clean and in good condition. This makes his work a lot easier. “Maintenance is ultimately a shared responsibility of the users. As soon as I, as an advisor, become invisible, everything at the station actually goes well.”
'At this station, my social commitment has only grown stronger.'
Marion has been the station manager of Rotterdam Central since 2023 and oversees the daily operations. It’s a busy role with many responsibilities in a complex environment. “Fortunately, I already had considerable experience as a station manager of five larger stations in West Brabant and Zeeland. There I learned how to maintain an overview and how to deploy teams effectively. Social cohesion is important in this, because keeping a station running is all about people. Every single day.”
“The transition to Rotterdam Central was smoother than I had anticipated. Ultimately, the goal is to make every station—big or small—a welcoming place. Achieving this requires the support of all my station colleagues, and the strong spirit of collaboration here in Rotterdam really stands out. The personal involvement of those around me makes it much easier to carry out my role. Naturally, there are challenges and occasional setbacks, but together we always find a solution—just like in a true family.”
“Over the past two years, I have become increasingly connected to the city. Our network has grown considerably and also includes social organizations. It’s truly rewarding when, together with them, we can make a real difference for the people of Rotterdam.”
'This station gives me new energy every day.'
Serhii worked for 17 years as a station manager at UZ, which stands for Ukrzaliznytsia, the Ukrainian Railways. That changed in 2022 when the war broke out. Together with his family, he fled the violence and found shelter in the Netherlands. While they felt safe, Serhii explains they also lost their sense of direction. “Nothing felt certain anymore. The language, the culture — everything was so different. At first, I was just searching for answers to all the questions running through my mind. It was a confusing time.”
Fortunately, with support from NS, he was able to start working as assistant station manager at Rotterdam Central over a year ago. Working at a Dutch station was a completely new experience for him. “At UZ, the average age was much higher and there was a strict hierarchy. Here, I work alongside both younger and older colleagues, and every role at the station matters. We truly work together. I find all those different people and ideas inspiring. Plus, the beautiful station building itself is amazing. So yes, I really enjoy working at Rotterdam Central.”
Serhii knows that improving his Dutch is essential for his role. “In my job, I supervise and carry out inspections. I give and receive feedback. That only works well with good communication because you want to prevent misunderstandings.” Still, he has mixed feelings about the future. “The current scheme for Ukrainian refugees expires in March 2026. So I don’t dare make long-term plans. I take life one day at a time, doing my best and especially trying to enjoy the new energy this station gives me every day.”
Every day, Rotterdam Central brings together a great diversity of people. Everyone is represented at the station. That is unique and makes us proud because diversity enriches. Our station is always filled with unique, moving, beautiful, special, and personal stories.
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