Noord Zuid Line

"In 2002, the go-ahead was given for an ambitious project to significantly expand Amsterdam's metro network. The new line would run from North to South, an idea that had been on the shelf since the 1968 City Rail Plan. However, due to financial constraints and a lack of popular support, the project was shelved at the time.

The Amsterdam municipality saw the underground extension as a solution to the growing transport demand in the city. It was hoped to halve the travel time, which at the time was over 30 minutes from North to South, relieving pressure on the already congested tram and bus system. Yet not everyone was convinced of the need for this new metro line. Many Amsterdammers feared that the historical charm of the city would be affected and that construction work would damage the old centre. Their fears were confirmed when it emerged that some buildings above the planned metro line were beginning to subside.

These issues led to a temporary halt to work in 2008, a pause that would last a year. Nevertheless, it was decided to go ahead with the project, given the crucial contribution the line would make to public transport in Amsterdam. After several delays and setbacks, the long-awaited opening of the metro line was finally celebrated on 22 July 2018, marking a new era in Amsterdam's public transport system."