The `International Comparison of Infrastructure' (EURINFRA) project was carried out in the 1992-1995 period. Its purpose was to develop a method by which cities can be compared to each other in a relatively simple way, regarding characteristics which describe the spacial structure, the supply of (public) transport and mobility. In the pilot application of the methodology the following four European cities were chosen: Amsterdam, Zurich, Cologne and Frankfurt. The four cities studied show clear differences in the characteristics of the spacial structure and the transport supply. Concerning the characteristics of the mobility of the urban population, a certain typology is depicted for the cities: Amsterdam as the `bicycle city'; Zurich as the `public transport city'; and Cologne as the `car city'. The density (number of inhabitants plus jobs per ha) of urban areas seems to become a crucial, spacial characteristic. A good public transport system with a high density of stops and lines and a high service level, seems to stimulate public transport use, and to reduce car use. It is concluded that the aim of the study seems to have been achieved. For the first part see C 11071 (IRRD 491586).
Samenvatting