Antwerp Pre-metro
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The Antwerp Premetro is a network, consisting of lines 2, 3, 5, 6 and 15 of the Antwerp tram system. It is a 1000 mm rail gauge system, which runs underground in the city centre and further out on surface lines, which are separated from motor traffic. It is intended eventually to evolve into a full metro, similar to the Brussels Metro or German Stadtbahns (light railways).
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[edit] History
It was planned at the beginning of the 1970s to build a completely underground network with a length by 15 km and 22 stations. However, due to financial difficulties only 11 stations have been built. The network is now operated by De Lijn.
The first 1.3 km section opened on 25 May 1975 between Opera, Meir and Groenplaats. Further sections were opened in 1980, 1990, 1996 and 2006. The newest station is at Schijnpoort in the northeast of the system.
[edit] Stations
- Astrid (opened in 1996, connecting with the Central station)
- Diamant (opened in 1980, connecting with the Central station)
- Elisabeth (opened in 1996)
- Frederik van Eeden (opened in 1990)
- Groenplaats (opened in 1975)
- Handel (opened in 1996)
- Meir (opened in 1975)
- Opera (opened in 1975)
- Plantin (opened in 1980)
- Schijnpoort (opened in 1996)
- Sport (opened in 1996)
[edit] Pegasus-Plan
In the original plan a route was proposed from the south-western suburbs via Opera and Astrid to then eastern suburbs. Some of this line was built but construction stopped in the 1980s due to lack of funds.
Under the Pegasus plan (approved in 2004) several tram lines will be built to the eastern suburbs, using some of the tunnels abandoned in the 1980s, including stations at Opera, Astrid, Drink and Morkhoven.
[More information about the "Sleeping Premetro" in Dutch]
