Social organizations urge new coalition to push through with Noord-Zuid metro line

A coalition of, among others, the business community, education, healthcare, and culture in the Amsterdam region called on the next Cabinet to “get on with” the expansion of the Noord-Zuid line to Schiphol and other investment projects in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Region. These plans have become uncertain after billions in budget cuts by the current outgoing Cabinet.

According to the social coalition, which includes VNO-NCW, MKB-Nederland, the Rijksmuseum, the Beurs van Berlage, the World Trade Center, Amsterdam UMC, the VU University Amsterdam, and the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, the extension of the Noord-Zuid line is a top priority in the outline agreement.

“Now it is time to get on with it. The coalition believes it is important that the next Cabinet fulfills agreements and demonstrates a stable and predictable government policy. Crucial for the business climate,” they said in a statement. The Amsterdam hotel sector also agrees.

The parties also said that the extension of the Noord-Zuid line improves Amsterdam's accessibility nationally and internationally and helps economic growth and quality of life. “These projects are not only of regional but also of national importance. They form the backbone of our economy and are essential for maintaining and strengthening the accessibility and business climate of the Netherlands in a competitive world.”

The Noord-Zuid line is a metro line that runs from Amsterdam Noord, via the city center, to Zuid station. The line opened in 2018.