This contribution contains the results of the market survey on the surplus value of slow travel modes. The research is funded by the Project Bureau for Integrated Transport Studies (Pb IVVS). A questionnaire was distributed at fuel stations and railway stations in the Netherlands in March 1996. In this questionnaire the market feasibility of slow and alternative transport systems were tested. The questionnaire focused on four different markets: (1) the commuter market; (2) the family visit market; (3) the day trip market; and (4) the European holiday market. The study shows that speed is the most important criterion in the transport mode choice. It will behard to enlarge the share of slow travel modes by improving the comfort or lowering the price of slow transport modes. The relatively fast slow/alterative transport modes appeared to have the best prospects to get a share in future transport. As far as the market approach is concerned, no clear signs are found which indicate the existence of a significant undercurrent within the society which is favouring a tempering of the ongoing acceleration of social processes. (A) See also C 7021 and c 7022.
Abstract