Rotterdam Metro

Infobox Public transit
name = Rotterdam Metro


imagesize =
locale = Rotterdam
transit_type = Rapid transit
began_operation = 1968
ended_operation =
system_length = km to mi|55.3|abbr=yes|precision=1
lines = 2
vehicles =
stations = 38
ridership =
track_gauge =
reporting marks =
operator = RET
owner =

The Rotterdam Metro is a rapid transit system operated in Rotterdam by RET. The first line, called "Noord - Zuidlijn" (North - South line) opened in 1968 and ran from Centraal Station to Zuidplein, crossing the river Nieuwe Maas in a tunnel. It was the first metro system to open in the Netherlands. At the time it was also one of the shortest metro lines in the world with a length of only 5.9 kilometres.

In 1982 a second line was opened, the so called "Oost - Westlijn" (East - West line). In the late 90s, the lines were named after two historic Rotterdam citizens, Desiderius Erasmus and Pieter Caland.

Lines

Erasmus Line

"Line color = Blue"

Rotterdam Central Station - Slinge - Albrandswaard (Rhoon, Poortugaal) - Hoogvliet - Spijkenisse. The Erasmus Line intersects with the Caland Line at "Beurs" station, the only underground interchange between metrolines in the Netherlands. Some trains terminate in Slinge.

There is work in progress to connect the line to the Randstadrail Erasmuslijn between The Hague and Rotterdam.

Caland Line

"Line color = Red"

In the northeast of Rotterdam, the Caland Line splits into two sub lines: one to Ommoord and one to Nesselande. The latter one has been extended since September 2005; before that date, this line terminated at Zevenkamp.

These two lines join with a third line from Capelle aan den IJssel. Until November, 2002, this combined line terminated in the west of Rotterdam. However, on November 4 of that year, an extension was opened: the line now connects to the main railway network at Schiedam railway station, has a stop in Pernis and joins the Erasmus Line in Hoogvliet. Some Caland Line trains terminate in Schiedam, the others, like those on the Erasmus Line, terminate in Spijkenisse.

The Ommoord and Nesselande branches of the Caland Line have some level crossings (with priority), and could therefore be called light rail instead of metro. These parts also have overhead wires, while the rest of the system has a third rail. However, the term 'light rail' is not oftenly used in Rotterdam, most people also call these branches metro.

See also List of Rotterdam metro stations.

Rolling stock

Traction power

Trains run on 750 volts DC power which is supplied through a bottom-contact third rail throughout most of the system. There are multiple spring-loaded contact shoes on both sides of the vehicle, which are loaded and unloaded automatically due to the slanted edges of third rail ends. This allows the rail to be installed on either side of the track, a necessity around points and station platforms. There is sufficient overlap between the two rails on either end to avoid a "gapped" train, a situation where none of the shoes are in contact with the live rail. To reduce the risk of electrocution, the rail consists of a sturdy yellow insulating material, with the live current carried on a thick metal strip on the bottom side. This also guards against grime (such as from fallen autumn leaves) reducing or preventing electrical contact.

Two of the three branches of the Caland line do however use overhead wires when passing through the city above ground. After having passed Capelsebrug, trains bound for Nesselande or Ommoord raise their pantograph while the vehicle is in motion. They will now pass (with priority) several protected level crossings at street level. For this reason, trains with a pantograph (series 5200 and 5400) are equipped with turn signals just like any road vehicle. This makes it easy to see the difference between series 5300 and series 5400 Bombardier-built trains.
Note that trains bound for Nesselande will run on third rail again for the final leg of the journey, from De Tochten to Nesselande.

External links