Free train ride with a book in Holland

Encouraging passengers of all ages to put down their phones and pick up a book, the Dutch state railway gives free travel on special days to anyone who presents a book to the ticket inspectors. Boekenweek is the name of this celebration of literature. As part of the Netherlands’ literary celebrations, every year a well-known Dutch author writes a special novel – the “book week gift” – which is given free to people who buy books during the festivities. Those who present this special book can ride the tram and train network for free the whole day.