Transport in the Netherlands up to 2015: a scenario approach. In the present study an assessment is made of trends and policy options with respect to transport in the Netherlands up to 2015. The exercise includes different modes of transport for passengers as well as freight. In addition Amsterdam Airport and the Port of Rotterdam are given attention. Alternative scenarios for economic development suggest a further upward pressure on mobility and freight transport in the Netherlands. Accessibility and sustainability are the main goals of transport policy in the Netherlands. Consequently, the tendency towards further growth in transport volumes presents a major challenge to policy makers. In the present study alternative strategies with respect to transport policy are assessed. Price policy, regulation and infrastructural investment, applied in different proportions, are the main components of any such strategy. It turns Out that in order to meet the targets, very far-reaching measures have to be taken. Private car use has to be discouraged; public transport can offer an alternative to certain massive commuter flows, hut overall the possibilities of substitution between the two modes of transport are limited. Consequently raising the price of car use and regulations directed towards less polluting technologies seem to be the remaining options. Slowing down the growth of road haulage appears to he a difficult objective to meet. However there seem to be ample possibilities for less polluting technologies to be implemented in commodity transport by road. (Author/publisher)
Abstract