About Roy
Who am I
Some of you might already know me from YouTube or Instagram, but who am I really — and what exactly do I do?
👋 My name is Roy
I am a train driver with Dutch Railways, crew depot Rotterdam.
Since June 2023, I have been driving trains independently throughout the Netherlands, but my railway adventure began much earlier.
I was born as 1978 in Rotterdam. After high school, I worked in security and for a short time with the police. Through my then-girlfriend (now my wife), I came into contact with the railway world — she worked as chief conductor at NS.
🚉 My career on the track
In October 2008 I started as chief conductor Service & Safety at crew depot The Hague.
This position was part of a new department that emerged from the old PBT (Process Special Tasks), which took over some of the duties of the former railway police.
As chief conductor S&V I worked 75% of the time as a Safety Officer at stations and on trains, and 25% as chief conductor.
In both roles, I was sworn in as a Special Investigation Officer (BOA), with additional powers such as the use of handcuffs and force for my duties as an S&V.
🛡️ Safety & Service
In 2016, NS changed the organization: Service & Safety became Safety & Service.
The emphasis shifted to safety, and the department was professionalized with a new uniform and working methods.
I chose to retain my place within the new structure.
In addition to being a V&S employee, I also served as an action coordinator and organized and supervised security operations in the The Hague region — something I did with pleasure for over four years.
🔄 The switch to train driver
After COVID, I started to feel restless. Did I want to keep doing this work until retirement? Or was it time for something new? The desire to go in a different direction grew stronger and stronger.
In 2022, I found that new challenge: becoming an operator. After waiting a year for an internal transfer, I started the training in 2023. Within eleven intensive months, I obtained my operator's license, learned everything about equipment and regulations, and passed my practical exam.
On 10 May 2024, the moment had arrived: I was allowed to board the train independently as the driver of NS.
📱 From social media to ambassador
Ever since the early days of Twitter, I shared updates about my work. Not always to the liking of team managers or communications, but even back then I saw: Social media plays a key role in communication and recruitment.
When Instagram emerged, sharing photos and stories became even more powerful. Ultimately, that led to my participation in the NS social media ambassador program, where colleagues share their work with the general public.
🎥 Start of Machinist Roy
During my train driver training, I came into contact with Recruitment Marketing at NS. They tipped me off about the ambassador program — and I knew immediately: this is my chance to do more with YouTube.
In December 2024 my first video went online: a ride from The Hague Central to my new crew depot Rotterdam Central. The Machinist Roy channel was born.
Since then, the concept has grown into a series of service vlogs, in which I take viewers along with me into my work, my drives, and everything you normally never get to see from behind the cab door.
📈 The journey so far
In the first six months, my channel already reached well over 2000 subscribers. I am incredibly grateful for that.
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For (almost) daily content, you can also follow me on Instagram. You can find this here
⚠️ Disclaimer
This website was created in a personal capacity. I have written permission from Dutch Railways to create and publish videos and photos taken during my work.