Bombardier 5300 Series

Location: Rhoon Station, Albrandswaard, South Holland, Netherlands
Operator of Vehicle: RET
Date of Photo: June 4, 2008

Last month, a Rotterdam Metro train made up of Bombardier 5300 Series cars such as these got quite a bit of attention in the international press.  Upon reaching the end of the line at De Akkers, the train overshot the platform and was caught by a large, plastic whale sculpture that was installed beyond the end of the elevated tracks.  Only the train operator, who was not injured in the incident, was on board the train.  Maarten Struijs, the artist who designed the sculpture, was pleasantly surprised that the nearly 20 year old sculpture was able to hold the weight of the train.

Rotterdam is a fascinating city to visit, and transit fans will be wowed by the various architectural styles found in the city’s Metro stations (in addition to the architectural styles and trends in the city itself).  I was only able to spend a few hours there in 2008, and hope to have the opportunity to go back again.  Hopefully, any trains you or I ride in Rotterdam all stay on the tracks!

For more photos of the Rotterdam Metro Bombardier 5300 Series, please click here.