Substitution of physical trips by telematics is mentioned in the Dutch policy document Telematics and Traffic to reduce present traffic problems. However, telematics also has other effects on mobility. In this paper four effects of telematics on mobility are distinguished and analyzed (substitution, complementation, spatial planning, and supplementation). In respect to the substitution effect it is noticed that other aspects are important besides offering an alternative mode of transport. Because the benefits of a physical and a telematics interaction differ, a change in the activity patterns arise. The increase of physical mobility due to substitution by telematics, as mentioned in the policy document, is overrated. As a consequence of complementation effects telematics will lead to new physical interactions. Because of the interaction between the transportation system and spatial planning, telematics will lead to more and longer trips. Due to the supplementation effect, telematics enables growth of prosperity and relieves the existent transportation systems from new interactions.
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