Operating expenses

Thanks in part to cost-saving initiatives, the level of costs in the Netherlands decreased by €26 million compared with 2020. Personnel expenses (excluding exceptional items) fell by €28 million, due in part to the fall in passenger numbers. On the other hand, depreciation costs (€59 million) increased due to the commissioning of new trains, investments in IT solutions, the franchise fee and the infrastructure levy (€14 million). The cost level in the United Kingdom decreased by €75 million. The cost level in Germany decreased as a result of deconsolidation. The partial realisation of the impairment for the main rail network franchise in the Netherlands (€1,562 million) recognised in 2020 has translated into lower depreciation (€149 million). Part of the provision for termination fees imposed by the UK Department for Transport (DfT) and the impairment in 2020 (€702 million) recognised by Abellio UK was released in 2021 or reversed (€382 million), following a substantial downward adjustment of the definitive termination fees.