Amsterdam's most loaded streetcar is one that no longer runs. Streetcar 8 ran from the Rivierenbuurt to Central Station for many years, until the line was discontinued in 1942. Yet "the 8" is perhaps Amsterdam's best-known streetcar line.

This notoriety has everything to do with World War II. Many people think that streetcar line 8 no longer runs through Amsterdam because it was used to deport Jews during the war. In part this is true, but it is not the whole story.