Research performed in the 4th FP-project MESUDEMO, which is geared towards the creation of a European Transport Policy Information System. The role of science in transport planning is described and it is considered that science should participate more than at present in the realisation of projects. The challenges facing European transport development are presented and the limited contribution of science in the endeavour for sustainable mobility is discussed. Two alternative approaches to science are considered, communicative rationality and revealing power. It is concluded that there is a need for context-specific studies that will detach transport growth from economic growth. For the covering abstract see ITRD E124693.
Samenvatting