Do you study or work at Zernike? Then you’re probably familiar with the sight of overcrowded buses, delays, and missed connections. The Hanze Student Interest Association (Hanze Studentenbelangen Vereniging, HSV) believes it’s time to make Zernike properly accessible: ‘The tram deserves serious reconsideration.’
For students and commuters travelling to Zernike every day, the journey is often frustrating. Overcrowded buses, delays, and poor connections are more the rule than the exception. Some students even miss exams due to cancelled or late buses. And those with evening classes or work often struggle to get home using public transport.
In a city that continues to grow—now home to around 245,000 residents and thousands of commuters—this situation is no longer sustainable. Zernike is poorly accessible, and that needs to change. There are several viable solutions, but one stands out.
Groningen has often discussed the tram. But a real conversation about better accessibility should start on a broader scale. Should there be an additional train station in the north of the city? More dedicated bus lanes? A metro-like connection between key locations? These are all ideas worth considering.
Still, the tram stands out. When weighing all the options, it proves to be an excellent candidate: sustainable, reliable, high-capacity, and effective—proven in comparable cities. So yes, the tram deserves serious reconsideration. Not to dismiss other ideas, but because it might simply be the best solution.
Students should not be an afterthought in infrastructure planning
The tram is not a new idea for Groningen. Until the mid-20th century, trams ran through the city. And in 2011, there were plans for a new network. These were abandoned—partly due to costs, partly due to political disagreements.
But the need for better accessibility has not disappeared. Just this week, RTVNoord reported that the municipality is once again exploring public transport improvements and that the tram idea is still alive. And rightly so: circumstances have changed. The city is larger, climate concerns are greater, and the need for truly reliable public transport is more urgent than ever.
Students, in particular, bear the brunt of the current system. An overcrowded bus means waiting for the next one. A late class means not being able to get home. A cancelled ride? That could mean missing an exam or an internship appointment. This isn’t just frustrating—it harms academic progress and mental well-being. Students should not be an afterthought in infrastructure planning. They deserve transport that works.
The municipality acknowledges the problem, but too often, it stops at ambitions. The coalition agreement includes nice words about improving public transport—but words don’t get people to their destinations. The HSV calls on the city council to take real action. Make decisions. Provide clarity. And involve travellers in designing solutions.
A missed ride can mean a missed exam
Why is the tram more feasible now? What’s different from 2011? The city has grown, putting more strain on existing infrastructure. Climate goals demand zero-emission alternatives. Examples from other cities—such as Utrecht and Amsterdam—show that a well-planned tram network works and pays off. Even Ghent, with its narrow medieval streets, has an extensive tram system. Why couldn’t Groningen?
Opponents point to high costs, construction disruptions, and limited flexibility. But these are not insurmountable obstacles. On the contrary—smart planning and phased implementation can minimise disruptions. Trams run on dedicated tracks, so they don’t interfere with cyclists or cars. Funding can come from subsidies, national government support, or public-private partnerships. And let’s not forget: doing nothing also costs money—every single day.
In conclusion, it’s time for the tram. Let’s be honest. The bus system has reached its limit. The campus is growing, the city is growing, and so is the waiting time at bus stops. If Groningen is serious about accessibility, sustainability, and liveability, then it’s time for a structural solution.
The tram offers that solution. Not as a gimmick or prestige project, but as a solid, proven system for a city that wants to move forward. Groningen must stop dreaming—and start making decisions.
Martin Schinkel and Matthijs Tuinstra are affiliated with the Hanze Student Interest Association (Hanze Studentenbelangen Vereniging)