Metro
Type M, series 5000 & 5100
In 1968 (February 10)
the first Metro-line in Rotterdam (and The Netherlands) was
opened. At first the line was only 5.4 km long with 7
stations. It did take over the bulk of the cross-river
traffic from the trams and busses. Services did start with
27 articulated sets working in trains of 2-4 sets and 3-5
minutes frequencies. Gradually the line was extended until
21.3 km. The number of train sets of the oldest generation
was increased until 71 (Numbers 5001-5027 of 1966/7,
5051-5066 of 1969, 5101-5126 of 1973/4 & 5151-5152 of
1974; series 5000 built by Werkspoor, series 5100 by
Düwag). They were withdrawn in 2000-2002, the 5024 is
kept for museum purposes.Type T, series 5200
In 1982 a second line was opened. The
North-Eastern sections of this line do have level
road-crossings. Because of this, these sections have
power-supply by catenary instead of third rail. The rolling
stock (series 5201-5271, constructed 1980-84) of this line
is equiped with pantographs. But it can be combined with the
first generation type to which they are technical familiar.
They were used also on the first Metro-line. All sets were
build by Düwag. The original colour schedule was dark
blue with red/orange doors. During an overhaul in the period
1997-2001 this was changed in metallic grey. The 5261-5271
were in 2006 relocated to the Hofpleinlijn, which became
part of the Randstadrail between Rotterdam and Den Haag. The
colour scheme of these sets was changed to metallic grey
with blue doors and Randstadrail logo's. The 5201 and 5229
were total-loss after a fire in 2006. The 5261-5271 were
withdrawn in 2009 after arrival of the series 5500 for the
Randstadrail. The remaining sets will be withdrawn when the
delivery of the series 5600 is completed in 2011.Type B, series 5300 & type S, series 5400
As replacement for the oldest stock (series
5000 & 5100) new sets are delivered in 1999 - 2001
(series 5301-5363) by Bombardier. Like the older stock they
are articulated. However it is not possible to make trains
combined with the series 5000/5100/5200. As this stock has a
driver-cabin at one end only, they must always operate with
at least two sets combined back-to-back.Of the same type, but like the series 5200 equipped with pantographs, the series 5401-5418 is delivered in 2002. These sets are necessary for the extension from Marconiplein to Hoogvliet and Spijkenisse. The series 5400 can be combined with the series 5300, but not with the older types of stock.
Type R, series 5500 & 5600
As replacement for the
series 5200 from Bombardier 42 new sets series 5601-5642
were ordered. This new stock has three sections per unit
instead of two like with all previous types. In contrary to
the 5300/5400 stock they have drivers cabins at both sides.
Like the trains they replace they are equiped with
pantographs. The series 5600 was put in service in
2009-2011.Together with the series 5600 the series 5501-5522 was ordered from Bombardier. They are similar to the series 5600 except for their colour schedule. The series 5500 is used since 2009 on the Randstadrail line to Den Haag. While the series 5600 is metallic grey like the series 5300/5400, the series 5500 is white with blue like the trams used by the HTM on the Randstadrail line between Den Haag and Zoetermeer.