Public transport around Eindhoven Central Station is getting a major upgrade. The municipality, NS, ProRail, province and the government have chosen a preferential plan with an underground bus station as an eye-catcher. This should replace the current, busy and outdated station.
According to councilor Stijn Steenbakkers, this will be the entrance to the city and the Brainport region. “Today’s bus station no longer fits with the growth of Eindhoven. With the new design, traveling becomes clearer, faster and more comfortable,” he says.
A large part of the investment comes from the Brainport deal, which prepares Eindhoven for the growth of the region.
How does the underground bus station work?
The underground bus station will have three island platforms with 34 stops. Each bus line will have a fixed location, which will make transferring a lot easier. During rush hour there can be around 200 buses per hour.
New are the five bus tunnels that connect the station with John F. Kennedylaan, Veldmaarschalk Montgomerylaan, Vestdijktunnel, Boschdijktunnel and Fellenoord. This way, the buses can drive directly to the station, without crossing traffic above.
Above ground there will be more space for travelers and the city. The station square on the north side will have greenery and pleasant places to stay. There will also be a modern station hall that connects directly to the bus station, so that travelers can transfer dry and easily.
Bicycle shed for 13,000 bicycles
Eindhoven, a city full of cyclists, will have a large bicycle shed. There will be a two-storey bicycle shed on the Vestdijk. Together with the existing parking facility on the south side, there will soon be room for approximately 13,000 bicycles. Special bicycles, such as shared bicycles, also have their own place.
From transfer point to city district
By moving the bus station underground, there will be space above ground for housing. More than 6,000 new houses are to be built in the Fellenoord area. The station area becomes more than a place to travel through: it becomes a lively city district where you can live, work and travel.
Important for all of Brabant
According to deputy Stijn Smeulders, who is responsible for urban development and mobility on behalf of the province of North Brabant, the project is not only an asset for Eindhoven. “The new bus station will be the beating heart of public transport in South-East Brabant. It improves the accessibility of the entire region and makes public transport more attractive for even more people.”
To improve accessibility, buses have been running more often in and around Eindhoven since October, including a fast line to the ASML site in Veldhoven.
The city council will discuss this on February 10 the preferred plan. If approved, the project can be further developed and the first work could start around 2030.
