Amsterdam announces new metro network: More metros to run on fewer lines from end-2027

Amsterdam will launch its new metro network in December 2027. It will combine metro lines 50 and 53 into a single new line, which will allow it to run more metros across the network. “This will allow more passengers to use public transport and distribute passenger congestion across various stations and transfer points,” the city said. “The new network will accommodate the city’s growth.”

The new metro network will have two instead of three metro lines running through the Oostbuistunnel. According to the city, this will reduce disruptions and cancellations and allow more trains to run on the same track. On the new network, metros will run 10 times per hour during peak hours and 8 times per hour during the rest of the day.

Metro lines 50 and 53 will be combined into a single new line. There will be a direct connection between Gaasperplas and Nieuw-West, instead of between Gaasperplas and Central Station. The direct connection between Gein and Central Station will remain. The section of line 53 between Van der Madeweg and Central Station will be discontinued.

Van der Madeweg Station will become a major transfer point. To facilitate this transfer, the metro lines will stop alongside each other on the platform, allowing passengers to transfer without additional travel time. The city is also working on the station’s design to make passengers feel more comfortable and safe.

According to the city, its Transport Region thoroughly examined all the available options, and the combination of lines 50 and 53 emerged as the best on all counts. “Travel times are shorter, the transfer at Van der Madeweg is easy, disruptions can be repaired more quickly, public safety scored highest, and the costs are lowest.”

The combination of the two lines will mean more frequent transfers for passengers. But according to the Transport Region, this is unavoidable and was also the case for the other scenarios investigated.