Abstract
In recent years, several studies have been carried out into underground freight transport. This interest is explained in this paper. Arguments are, for instance, the saving of space, the reduction of environmental effects, and the improvement of transport quality. Four possible application areas are described: (1) city distribution; (2) interregional transport; (3) internal transport within an industrial complex; and (4) continental transport. In the paper a short overview is given of transport concepts. It is concluded that there are still uncertainties in the development of a underground freight transport system. Finally, the essential elements of a strategy to develop this system in the Netherlands are described. (A)