New Amsterdam Centraal bus terminal opens

The new bus terminal behind Amsterdam Centraal Station officially opened today. Yesterday buses already stopped on one of the 22 stops on the platform behind the Centraal Station, but today was the first real day. Commuters no longer have to deal with the regular public transport craziness. Buses no longer stop at the front of the station at the tram stops, but drive behind the station and drop off and pick up passengers there. This has long been a wish of the municipality, as there was not enough space for all the buses at the front of the station, adding to the rush hour craziness. The new terminal makes for a slightly longer walk if the commuter is heading in the direction of the trams, but according to Het Parool, the view makes up for it. There may still be some chaos as everyone gets used to the new arrangement, but a marked improvement in public transport is expected as soon as everything settles down. The situation will improve by middle next year, when cars currently driving along behind the station will be able to use the Michiel de Ruytertunnel.