The future of the Randstad area of the Netherlands is, at present, very much the centre of attention. Different studies are directed at developments in long-term spatial/environmental planning of the Randstad. In this discussion, little attention is paid to the role of public transport. This paper draws a connection between the spatial levels of detail and public transport systems. It appears that the Randstad issues can be approached in two ways. In the first approach, centralising, the Randstad is an independent unit using an inter-regional transport system as its pillar. This is in keeping with the concentration of developments in conurbations. In the second approach, regionalising, the Randstad consists of four regions, each with its own regional transport system. This is in keeping with the dispersement of developments along (existing and new) regional transport axes. (A)
Abstract