half-billion euro boost for faster metros between rotterdam and the hague
Rotterdam, donderdag, 5 februari 2026.
the metropoolregio rotterdam den haag is investing nearly one billion euros to transform its metro network. starting in 2033, passengers on the busiest routes will see a metro every five minutes during weekdays. this major upgrade targets line e between rotterdam sling and den haag centraum and rush hour service on line c from capelsebrug to hoogvliet. daily ridership is expected to jump from 280,000 to 330,000 as 50,000 new homes rise along the lines. the plan includes new longer trains, expanded depots, and critical infrastructure work. it prepares the region for a projected influx of 400,000 residents by 2040, aiming to keep transit fast, reliable, and sustainable.
major metro expansion planned for rotterdam and the hague
The Metropoolregio Rotterdam Den Haag (MRDH) is investing nearly €1 billion to significantly improve public transport across the region [1]. Starting in 2033, metro services on the busiest corridors will run every five minutes during weekday hours [2]. This upgrade specifically targets metrolijn E between Rotterdam Slinge and Den Haag Centraal, and the rush-hour service on metrolijn C from Capelsebrug to Hoogvliet [3]. The move addresses rising passenger demand driven by large-scale urban development projects near existing metro lines [4].
boosting capacity for growing ridership
Daily usage of metrolijn E and metrolijn C is forecasted to grow from approximately 280,000 to 330,000 trips following the upgrades [5]. This represents an 17.857% increase in ridership [5][6]. To accommodate more passengers, the project includes purchasing new, longer metro vehicles [7]. Existing facilities will also be enhanced, including expanding train storage areas and upgrading power supply systems [8]. The maintenance depot at Waalhaven will undergo expansion and modernization to support the larger fleet [9].
preparing for future growth
This massive investment aligns with broader regional plans, as the southern Randstad area anticipates welcoming around 400,000 additional residents by 2040 [10]. Approximately 50,000 new homes are scheduled for construction along the E and C metro lines during this period [11]. “Mobility and urbanization are inseparable,” stated Martina Huijsmans, board member of MRDH [12]. She emphasized that the investment ensures both current and future residents can travel quickly, sustainably, and comfortably to jobs, education, and services [12].
enhancing appeal and reliability of public transit
The frequency improvement means doubling the number of trains per hour on key sections, increasing from six to twelve departures hourly [13]. According to Linda Boot, CEO of RET, this change makes taking the metro much more attractive [14]. Passengers will no longer need to consult timetables before leaving home [14]. “You never have to look at your watch again before departing,” Boot said, highlighting the convenience of such regular intervals [14]. Higher frequencies generally lead to increased system resilience and reduced perceived wait times [GPT].
collaborative effort and funding structure
The project involves close cooperation between MRDH, public transit operator RET, and several municipalities including Rotterdam, Den Haag, and Capelle aan den IJssel [15]. A formal governance agreement outlines responsibilities regarding noise mitigation and safety measures [16]. While the total package amounts to almost one billion euros, half of the costs will be covered by national government contributions [17]. MRDH itself bears the full cost for acquiring new rolling stock and upgrading the Waalhaven workshop facility [17]. Work will proceed in phases to maintain ongoing metro operations [18].