The Rotterdam The Hague Metropolitan Region (MRDH) is investing nearly €1 billion in the metro network. This major public transport investment will allow metro services on the busiest routes to run every five minutes by 2033. The investment responds to rising passenger numbers and the construction of tens of thousands of new homes along metro lines.
“The metropolitan region is growing rapidly, and that calls for a reliable and frequent public transport system,” says Martina Huijsmans, board member of the Rotterdam The Hague Metropolitan Region. “With this €1 billion investment, we are laying the groundwork to ensure that hundreds of thousands of passengers can continue to travel quickly and sustainably across the region. It will also improve access to new housing developments and help keep the region economically strong and liveable.”
Metro lines E and C
The connection between Rotterdam and The Hague will receive a major quality upgrade. From 2033, metro line E will operate every five minutes in both directions on weekdays. Metro line C will also run every five minutes during peak hours between Capelsebrug, on the border of Capelle aan den IJssel and Rotterdam, and Hoogvliet. This higher frequency means shorter waiting times for passengers.
Daily passenger numbers on these lines are expected to grow from around 280,000 to 330,000. The investment package includes infrastructure upgrades, new metro vehicles (for which the MRDH approved the tender submitted by RET in July 2025), and the expansion and modernisation of the Waalhaven metro depot. RET will carry out the work in the coming years.
“With this decision, we are taking another important step towards doubling the frequency on lines E and C, from six to twelve trains per hour,” says Linda Boot, General Manager of RET. “This prepares the metro network for continued regional growth and increasing passenger demand. Travelling by metro also becomes more attractive when services run every five minutes, as passengers no longer need to plan around timetables.”
Regional growth requires strong public transport
The Rotterdam–The Hague metropolitan area is expected to grow significantly in the coming decades. By 2040, the southern Randstad is forecast to gain an additional 400,000 residents, with around 50,000 new homes built along metro lines E and C. As a result, accessibility in the region is under increasing pressure, making high-quality public transport essential.
“Mobility and urban development are closely connected,” says Huijsmans. “With this investment, we are ensuring that both new and existing residents will be able to travel quickly, sustainably and comfortably to work, education and everyday services.”
Upgrading the metro network is an important step in maintaining a balance between mobility and urbanisation, but it is not the only initiative underway. The metro is the first project to be implemented as part of the public transport scale-up in the southern Randstad. In addition, the MRDH is working with partners to improve public transport on the Leiden–Dordrecht line (the Oude Lijn), develop a new tram connection through the Binckhorst district in The Hague (the Vlietlijn), introduce a tram route via a new city bridge in Rotterdam, and improve the integrated operation of the RandstadRail line between The Hague and Zoetermeer.
Management agreement
To deliver the infrastructure upgrades, the MRDH, RET and the municipalities of Capelle aan den IJssel, Schiedam, Lansingerland, Pijnacker-Nootdorp, Leidschendam-Voorburg, The Hague and Rotterdam are working closely together. A management agreement has been signed, including arrangements on safety and noise reduction measures.
Image & text: MRDH
Editing & translation: The Hague Online