Public TransportationIN THIS SECTION TicketingStrippenkarts are the accepted currency required to use the metro, trams and buses. They can be purchased from kiosks close to the stations, news-stands, tobacconists, train stations and post offices. You can purchase: 2 strips (single journey, one zone), 3 strip (single journey, two zones), 8 strips (also valid as one day ticket), 15 strips (multiple journey), and 45 strips (multiple journey). You can also buy day tickets, one hour tickets and individual ride tickets from the conductor. Strippenkarts are a long card with segments that relate to zones. They work by folding the card to the required amount of zones you are traveling and inserting the next cell in the ticket machine. Cards are valid for one hour past the time that shows on the card. You are able to purchase season cards based on the number of times you will use the service, and the amount of zones you will be traveling. MetroThe metro is the Nederlands underground transport system but is limited to Amsterdam and Rotterdam. It is clean and reliable service to use and links with the intercity train network. The metro entrances are indicated by RET signs with large yellow M logo above all metro station entrances. The current metro system runs with two main lines, one north-south and the other east-west (including two light rail branches) and runs from 5.30am to midnight. All three branches of the Calandlijn operate every 10 minutes which allows a 3-4 minute interval along the main section. The Erasmuslijn offers trains every 5 minutes between Centraal Station and Slinge and every 10 minutes to De Akkers. The service is more frequent service during rush hours. Top TrainsTrains are run by the national Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS). Trains run between all major Dutch towns and cities. You must purchase your ticket before boarding the train, a conductor will check your ticket once on the train. You will find ticket machines that take chip and pin cards at the station platforms. This train will take you from Central Station right to Schipoll airport, with a change at Leiden. TramYou will find tramlinks all over Rotterdam and where they don't travel, buses will. You can insert your ticket in the machine as you get on the tram if you have strippenkart or if not, there will be a conductor to buy a ticket from. Caution: Trams have right of way at every occasion and will take it. At intersections they have their own sets of lights, in all other instances, let the tram go first. BusThe city is laced with an impressive network of bus routes. Caution: As with trams, buses have automatic right of way and will use it on all occasions. This is their legal right, always let the pass go first no matter where you are in the overtaking process. The bus does not have to wait for traffic to clear or safe entry into traffic, it can pull in front of you with little or no warning or crowd you in. They are legally protected and entitled to do so. Nervewracking but there is no good outcome in this scenario if you take one on; be warned! TaxiOfficial taxis have a blue numberplate and often won't accept short fares. For local companies check the Goudengids under "Taxibedrijf". The main company in Rotterdam is Rotterdamse Taxi Centrale. Despite international trends, taxi's are not a common form of transport and are expensive here. There are only a few taxi ranks around the city and it is quite normal not to see a taxi waiting. It is forbidden to flag a taxi down if you see one driving along, you are required to go to either a taxi rank (if you can find one), or call and book one. However, some drivers will overlook this rule. BicycleCycling is a national past-time and thanks to the unrelenting flatness of the country, the locals find it the perfect way to get around. Cycle lanes are well maintained (often better than pavements/sidewalks) and generally have their own lane (in addition to tram, car and only in some instances, pavements), and cycle racks are abundant. At intersections, cyclists have their own sets of lights to obey, they do sometimes try to test this particular rule. Outside of this situation, they have automatic right of way and will take it. Cyclists do tend to take a lot of liberties and will often ride three abreast (two or more) when there are no cycle lanes apparent and even when there are. You will have to wait behind them until it is safe to pass as they will not move aside. Cyclists are not obliged to follow road rules of other traffic and you will find them cycling down one way streets in the opposite direction (they may expect you to pull over and let them through). Be careful when crossing pedestrian crossings, cars and other traffic (except trams) will stop for you but cyclists won't.
|