Fast public transport connection to Rotterdam important for accessible region
Zoetermeer wants to be and remain easily accessible by public transport from all directions. Therefore, the municipality is committed to a faster public transport connection with Rotterdam. Currently, a journey by public transport to Rotterdam takes almost as long as to Utrecht, while Rotterdam is three times as close. Zoetermeer therefore wants a faster connection between the city and Rotterdam.
Needed for new housing
Zoetermeer is growing. Many homes will be added in the coming years. In Bleizo-West alone, some 5,000 homes are being built, along with new businesses and facilities. More than 10,000 homes will also be added in other areas of the city. That will create more travel movements. And on provincial and rural roads such as the N470, N209, A12 and A13 there are already frequent traffic jams. The municipality therefore wants to encourage as many people as possible to use public transport. A fast connection to Rotterdam helps with this.
Better accessibility, more opportunities
A good connection between Zoetermeer and Rotterdam has many advantages for residents and visitors:
- Travel time gets shorter
- Less pressure on the roads
- More jobs and training within reach
- Making the region more attractive to businesses and visitors
Important for the economy
The economy in South Holland is not growing as fast as in other regions, such as Eindhoven, Utrecht and Amsterdam. A better public transport connection between Rotterdam and Zoetermeer can help. A fast connection will make it easier for residents of Zoetermeer to travel to work or school in Rotterdam, and vice versa. This is good for both the economy and accessibility. Less traffic on the road also means more space for freight traffic, for example. This gives the logistics sector more opportunities to grow.
What are we going to do?
The municipality wants to take steps to provide a rapid public transport connection between Zoetermeer and Rotterdam. Work is also underway to provide a fast public transport connection between Katwijk, Leiden and Zoetermeer. This will allow fast travel between the north and south of the province of South Holland. The municipality of Zoetermeer will continue discussions with neighboring municipalities, the Metropoolregio Rotterdam Den Haag (MRDH) and other involved parties to work together for good public transport.