Amsterdam faces metro and tram disruptions this summer

GVB, Amsterdam’s public transport operator, has announced its summer timetable, which is set to begin on Saturday, July 4. Passengers should expect disruption and more crowds than usual.

Metro lines face summer disruption

Summer is already a busy time in the Netherlands, as many tourists flock to cities and the countryside for a holiday. Amsterdam is no exception, and planned disruption to the city’s public transport, combined with major events, is expected to add to the sweaty summer chaos.

GVB has revealed several planned changes to public transport routes, taking place from July 4 to August 16. Several metro lines will be disrupted due to large-scale maintenance:

• No metros will operate between Spaklerweg and Zuid stations and between Van der Madeweg and Zuid stations.
• RAI and Overamstel metro stations will be closed.
• Metro 50 will not run.
• Metro 51 will run between Isolatorweg and Zuid.
• Metro 52 will depart from a different platform at Zuid.
• Metro 53 will operate as normal.
• Metro 54 will be running more frequently than usual.

Shuttle buses will be operating as a replacement. Bus 78 will run from Overamstel to Spaklerweg and Amstel Station, while tram 23 will run from RAI Station to Amstel Station.

Trams, buses and roads will also be impacted, including:

• Trams 1 and 17 will split temporarily. The route will operate from Surinameplein to the city centre. Shuttle trams 27 and 28 will run between Surinameplein and Osdorp and bus 15 will divert via the Amstelveenseweg and will not stop at Hoofddorpplein.
• At Amstelveenseweg, the east side of the VUmc metro exit will be closed, while the west side will be closed occasionally. Tram 24 will not operate from July 4 to July 24.
• At Radarweg/Sloterdijk, bus 36, N81 and regional transport will stop at Orlyplein.
• Overtoomse Sluis will be temporarily closed from September 16.

Expect large crowds this summer

The public transport company has also warned that due to major events taking place in Amsterdam this summer, such as WorldPride and several large concerts, there will be “extra congestion on public transport”. Anyone travelling in the city “should expect crowded public transport, diversions, extra travel time, and adjusted routes”.

Travel should be planned in advance using GVB’s journey planner and, if possible, it best to avoid peak hours. Ramon Rippens, director of operations, said: “We understand that this places a heavy burden on travellers,” and “By concentrating work as much as possible during the summer, we limit disruption during the rest of the year."