| The Hague Semi-metro | |
|---|---|
| Semi-metro (light rail) | |
_img_01_(cropped).jpg) | |
| Operation | |
| Locale | The Hague, Netherlands |
_img_05.jpg)
The Hague semi-metro is a light rail system in the form of a semi-metro in The Hague, the Netherlands.[1] It is used by Lines 2, 3, 4, 6 and 34 of the local tram network. Three linked sections were constructed for the core of this network: the viaduct with the tram stations Centraal Station (CS) and Ternoot, the tram tunnel[2] and the viaduct through the Beatrixkwartier office area.
The semi-metro started in 1976 with the viaduct over CS and Ternoot. On semi-metro routes, tram vehicles run in tunnels and/or on viaducts in the city centre and otherwise largely on free tracks. It consists of five stations, and is operated by HTM Personenvervoer. As long as the conversion of the tram network to metro standards has not been completed, it is called semi-metro.[3]
The Hague Semi-metro is mainly inspired by the Brussels Premetro, as well as other systems. During the planning[4] and partially construction[5] the Brussels system was referred to as "semi-metro". The German concept Stadtbahn (in Cologne for example) is comparable to the situation in The Hague: with tunnels and viaducts.[6] Friedrich Lehner (who also set up the Hanover Stadtbahn) introcuced the concept in The Hague in 1964. Plans were formalised in 1969 in the plan called Nota Openbaar Vervoer 1969.
- ^ Silcove, Basil (August 1980). Trams are now big business. National Bank Monthly Summary. p. 8.
- ^ Blok; van der Spek. Railatlas tramlijnen Den Haag en omstreken vanaf 1864 (in Dutch). p. 64.
- ^ "Den Haag heeft plan voor semi-metro". De tijd: dagblad voor Nederland (in Dutch). 23 May 1969.
- ^ "Plan voor semi-metro". Het Parool (in Dutch). 21 December 1963.
- ^ "Europa-centrum wordt groter dan Uno-gebouw". De nieuwe Limburger (in Dutch). 1 August 1966.
- ^ "Den Haag wil aanleg semi-metro". De Telegraaf (in Dutch). 23 May 1969.