The first tram ride on campus has finally become a reality

Late on Tuesday evening, people pause for a moment at various points along the tram route on the TU campus. Some have just rolled out of the library after an evening of cramming, whilst another stands there relaxed with a beer in hand. “Wow, this is a historic moment,” someone exclaims enthusiastically as phones start recording. “A monumental moment!,” shouts another. “Better than the launch of Artemis,” reads a message in the Delta editorial team’s group chat.

There is no shortage of superlatives for the first test run of tram line 19. The journey began at 11.00 pm from Delft station and was due to arrive at 1:00 on Schoemakerstraat, at the Van den Broekweg stop.

More test runs

From now on, technical test runs will take place two to three times a week between midnight and 6:00. The track, overhead lines, technical installations and safety systems will be tested. From June through to August, trial runs for staff – still without passengers – will follow, so that staff can familiarise themselves with the route.

At the start of the 2026–2027 academic year, the real milestone will come, when the tram is officially set to begin operating. It will then provide a fast connection between Leidschendam, Delft station and the TU Delft campus—provided there are no further setbacks.

Numerous delays

For there have been plenty of setbacks. In 2004, the green light was given for the construction of a tram line across the campus, but this was followed by numerous delays. For instance, it turned out that vibrations and electromagnetic radiation could affect sensitive research setups, so the tram cannot continue on to Campus Zuid.

On the Mekelweg, a special foundation was installed for the same reason, one for which the concrete proved difficult to work with. But once the tracks were in place, it turned out that the newly laid underground high-voltage cable did not meet the requirements. As a result, all the tracks had to be removed and the construction of that section of the route had to start from scratch.

Meanwhile, it had already become apparent that the Sint Sebastiaansbrug between the city centre and the campus would not be able to support a tram. The bridge was completely replaced. Costs are rising and, due to all the works, no buses will be running across the campus for a long time.

Convoy

But on 7 April, all that misery comes to an end when the first tram enters the Mekelweg, surrounded by a small convoy. Spectators watch as an overhead line inspection vehicle leads the way, checking that the tram can pass safely under the overhead lines. Behind the tram follows a maintenance vehicle providing support. Around fifteen people, dressed in orange, are walking around. They are carrying out checks with great concentration and recording measurements. The tram glides forward very slowly.

All in all, the first test run went smoothly, according to a spokesperson for the Rotterdam-The Hague metropolitan region. One onlooker summed it all up with relief: “I’m so glad I got to witness this.”