The purpose of this study was to document and analyse transport regions in The Netherlands and the position of freight transport in these regions. The main conclusions are: (1) The notion `transport region' is not considered as an unambiguous one; (2) So far, ten transport regions have been started up. Only two of them are now in the phase of realization; (3) The condition that the geographical area of a transport region must have a functional coherence regarding relations of traffic and transport is considered differently; (4) The role of freight transport in the existing transport regions is an inconsiderable one; and (5) in the most regions, attention is paid to transport regions in an enthusiastic way. However, the most important problem remains the power of decision of a transport region. Furthermore, a number of recommendations are made.
Abstract