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The city provides various forms of public transportation. The GVB, Amsterdam Transport Authority runs this network. Information about this can be obtained from its office available in front of Central Station. The office also sells a one-week pass for EUR 16, which is valid in all zones. The tickets-'strippenkaart' are necessary for a journey in the bus, tram or metro. The city's main public transport includes bus, tram, metro, taxi and water taxi.
Metro: A major public transportation system in the city is the metro. There are two metro lines in the city that links the Central Station with Amsterdam Zuidoos. From Central Station to Amsterdam Zuidoos, the metro is underground. Sneltram considered as metro, rides through the metro tunnel. There are two sneltrams that plies to Amstelveen and the Ringlijn.
Tram: The trams are the most important means of public transport in the city. The network consists of 17 tramlines and most of them pass from the Central Station to the city areas in the Oost, Zuid and West. As the strippen card can be used in trams, it is not necessary to buy tickets while traveling in a tram. It is faster than city buses.
Bus: The buses, the common mode of transport operates a number of services in the city. It connects the city with the suburban areas. Several regional bus lines are also operated from the city. The tickets can be collected from the driver for EUR 2.50. Night buses are also available in the city, which take to the roads when other vehicles keep off after their day duty.
Taxi & Water taxi: Taxis are common in the city, though they are expensive. The government has initiated strict policy and licensing for taxi service. The Amsterdam taxis run with blue number plate. The rates are pasted both inside and outside the taxis. According to the policy, the driver needs to possess an exemption card that is a guarantee to show the driver's knowledge of the city. This card and the driver's pass along with his photograph and name have to be kept in the car visible to the passengers. There are many official taxi stands at Schiphol Airport and throughout the city at various stations like Central Station and the Dam.
There are a number of boats in the city having 8-40 seats. It is run under the supervision of a captain. These boats, that are equipped with well-stocked minibar and stereo radio/cassette player are operated by 'Amsterdamse Water Taxi Centrale'. These water taxis offer a high tea or a multiple-course dinner.
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