Rotterdam Metro, Rapid transit system in Rotterdam, Netherlands
Rotterdam Metro is a rapid transit system in Rotterdam, Netherlands, spanning five lines and 71 stations across more than 100 kilometers. The network connects the city center with surrounding suburbs, the harbor area, and reaches as far as The Hague.
Service began on February 9, 1968, with a route of just under 6 kilometers between the central station and Zuidplein, giving the Netherlands its first rapid transit system. Over the following decades, the network grew steadily by connecting new suburbs and integrating tram lines into the rail system.
The network has grown steadily since the 1960s and now forms the backbone of urban transport, linking residential neighborhoods directly to office towers, shopping streets, and the port. Many stations serve as transfer points between buses, trams, and trains, making the lines a main artery in the daily life of commuters.
Travelers can use OV-chipkaart cards, credit or debit cards at gates, or buy single tickets from machines at stations. Most trains run every few minutes during the day, with reduced frequency in the evenings and on weekends.
Some lines switch between underground tunnels and above-ground sections within the same journey, so passengers suddenly see daylight and street scenes. This combination arose from the gradual conversion of old tram routes into modern light rail connections.
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