Antwerp Pre-metro

It is a metre gauge system which runs underground in the city centre and further out on surface lines, which are mostly separated from motor vehicle traffic.

This line was extended to reach Diamant and Plantin in 1980 and Van Eeden (via the Brabotunnel [nl] under the river Scheldt) in 1990.

A north-eastern branch was opened in 1996, including the stations Sport, Schijnpoort, Handel, Elisabeth and Astrid, connecting to the existing line between Opera and Diamant.

In the original plan a second axis was proposed from the south-western suburbs via Opera and Astrid to the eastern district Deurne.

The unused platforms were put into use upon completion of the renovation and the construction of a premetro entrance on the Leien just south of the station.

Additionally, two intermediate[clarification needed] stations along the Turnhoutsbahn (which currently are bypassed as a quasi-express service on lines 8 & 10) will be opened at Drink and Morckhoven.