This study was carried out for the Dutch `Research Unit for Integrated Transport Studies' (Pb IVVS). The first part of the study compares the Randstad area in the Netherlands, the Rhine/Ruhr area in Germany and the Antwerp/Brussels/Gent area in Belgium on spatial and infrastructural aspects. In the second part of the study, the internal accessibility within the Randstad area and within the Rhine/Ruhr area are compared. This is done for business travel and home to work travel, by car and by public transport. Further analyses were carried out concerning the impact on accessibility by spatial distribution, the infrastructure quality and the match between them. The results show a slightly higher qualification of the infrastructure in the Randstad area. However, as far as business travel is concerned, the proximity of the Ruhr area is better. This results in a better overall accessibility in this area. (A)
Abstract