Chain mobility receives more and more attention in Dutch transport policies. Nevertheless, transferring between transport modes gives public transport a negative competitive position compared to the private car. The integration of tram and train services may result in a direct trip from people coming from outside the city right into the city centre. In this way, large time savings can be achieved both actual and perceived, since transferring and waiting is judged very negatively. In Karlsruhe (Germany), such a system has been introduced. The system resulted in a very substantial increase in passenger volumes, largely at the expense of private car use. This increase is the result of lower travel time, greater comfort, higher frequency, service transparency and the improved accessibility (for example ticket integration). Also the operating costs are much lower: in the literature savings up to 50% are found. It is concluded that the introduction of tram and train services is a very good option to improve public transport performance. (A)
Abstract