‘Free’ public transport : private car/public transport ? : from mobility to accessibility. Introduction of ‘free’ public transport is cheaper for travelers. It profoundly influences the modal split in traffic, as well as spatial planning and participation in social activities by all. The essential choice is to switch from payment by the traveler for mobility, to payment by everybody for the availability of transport to all destinations. If everybody shares the costs, the Dutch Government can guarantee the implementation of its intentions to keep public transport frequent, dense, flexible, socially secure and accessible for everybody (including the old and the physically handicapped). It diminishes the growing dependency on private cars in the Netherlands. A regrettable side-effect of this growth in private car mobility is that public transport is driven out. ‘Free’ public transport diminishes the social isolation of households lacking access to a car. It saves space on the roads, budget and the environment. Public transport is a ‘public good’ for which all will have to share the costs. If all pay, citizens will more consciously balance public and private travel means. All should realize that in parallel new policies are needed for freight-transport, parking and variable costs for use of roads per kilometer. (Author/publisher)
Abstract