It connects the cities of Rotterdam, The Hague and Zoetermeer, primarily using former train and existing tram tracks.

[2][3] Named after the Randstad conurbation, the light rail network came into operation in 2006, after regular train services on the Hofpleinlijn and Zoetermeer Stadslijn had been discontinued.

[4] After the train services had been discontinued, the track was re-opened as a RandstadRail line in September 2006, running between Nootdorp and Hofplein.

In 2010, Hofplein terminus was replaced with the Statenwegtracé, a bored tunnel connecting the line with the local metro network at Rotterdam Centraal railway station.

[6] West of Den Haag Centraal railway station, these lines are operated as regular street-running tram lines, partially interlined with the local network and passing through the Haagse tramtunnel, a 1.25 km (0.78 mi) tunnel under the Grote Marktstraat [nl] in the city centre.