First subway cars finally enter new Amsterdam underground line

The first subway car has finally traveled on Amsterdam's new North/South underground line. Tests were carried out with the subway car on Wednesday night. According to broadcaster NOS, the first subway car to travel the line departed from Zuid station. The underground line's security system, which must make sure that subways don't crash into each other, will be tested during the coming days. For these tests the subway car will not be driving independently, but will be pushed or pulled, according to the broadcaster. If all goes well during these tests, the subway car will travel the line independently at 40 kilometers per hour later this year. If that goes well, the speed will be increased to 70 kilometers per hour. The city of Amsterdam hopes to have the North/South line up and running by October 2017. Though with all the setbacks the line has experienced, such as Imtech's bankruptcy and project leader Pieter Dijk resigning, some doubt whether these goals can be reached. Responsible Alderman Pieter Lijtens previously called reaching the goal a big task, but has given assurances that Imtech's bankruptcy at least will not cause further delays.