DESCRIPTION
Rotterdam metro network is currently articulated in 5 lines: Line A, Line B, Line C, Line D, Line E/Randstadrail.
The first section of the current Line D opened in 1968 (Centraal Station-Zuidplein) and it was extended in 1970, 1974, 1985 and 1997. Line D currently runs from Centraal Station to De Akkers; it shares part of the track with Line C (Tussenwater-De Akkers) and with Line E (Centraal Station-Slinge). Line D (as well as Line E) interchanges with Lines A, B and C at Buers stop.
The first section of the current Line A opened in 1982 (Coolhaven-Capelsebrug) and it was extended in 1983 and 1986. Line A currently runs from Binnenhof to Schiedam Centrum (Line A); it shares part of the track with Line B and Line C (Capelsebrug-Schiedam Centrum).
The first section of the current Line B opened in 1982 (Coolhaven-Capelsebrug common section, see Line A) and it was extended in 1984, 1986 and 2005; Line B currently runs from Nesselande and Schiedam Centrum.
The first section of the current Line C opened in 1982 (Coolhaven-Capelsebrug common section, see Lines A, B) and it was extended in 1994 and 2002; Line C currently runs from De Terp to De Akkers.
The first section of the current Line D opened in 1982 (Coolhaven-Capelsebrug common section, see Lines A, B) and it was extended in 1994 and 2002; Line C currently runs from De Terp to De Akkers.
The first sections of Line E/Randstadrail opened on October-November 2006, even if some technical problems (derailements) caused a temporary partial interruption and limitation of the service. This line links Rotterdam, The Hague and Zoetemeer, partially reusing 2 existing railways tracks (The Hague-Zoetermeer and The Hague-Pijnacker-Rotterdam); in Rotterdam the exixting railway alignment is connected to the metro track by a tunnel section wich runs from Centraal Station (south) to Blijdorp new underground station (north). Line E offers a direct interchange with The Hague tram system and with the others Rotterdam metro lines; as said before, it partly reuses existing rail tracks and infrastructures that are disconnected from the national railway system, without any real metro/train track-sharing operation.