There are not many transit systems that make a profit (read at the Chicago CTA’s budget deficit here). Nor are there many transit agencies in the world that rely mostly on light rail to transport its passengers. Amsterdam’s Gemeentelijk Vervoerbedrijf, also known as the GVB, knows how to effectively manage a transit system, with its numerous tram lines that roll through the narrow streets of Amsterdam. Within the center of Amsterdam, trams are the kings of the roads; there are very few bus lines that travel strictly within the center, and parking is a hassle, discouraging driving. Taking the tram is easy because of the multitude of lines, speed, comfort, frequency, and affordable price. GVB uses the National Tariff System of the Netherlands, meaning the same ticket used in Amsterdam can be used in other cities, like in Rotterdam or in Den Haag (The Hague). The new OV Chipkaart smartcard will be accepted on all of Netherland’s major transport modes sometime in the near future. Most passengers already have tickets when boarding so time stopped waiting for riders to buy tickets is reduced. Amsterdam operates new ultra low-floor trams that are level to the sidewalk and have large windows allowing passengers to look out at Amsterdam’s brick buildings and wide canals. The total population of Amsterdam is about 750,000, but over a million rides are taken on the GVB every day, showing that a large percentage of residents rely on transit to commute. GVB recorded a slight increase in its already stable ridership in 2005, a large decrease in accidents, and a net income of €10.3 million after all expenses.







Photo: At Amsterdam Centraal station, dozens of trams wait for arriving train passengers to board. Eleven tram lines terminate at Centraal.