Cheaper public transport is not the solution to the traffic jam problem

In the report ‘Effects of fare reductions in public transport’, the Knowledge Institute for Mobility Policy (KiM) concludes that making public transport cheaper is not an effective measure to get Dutch travelers out of the car. Lowering public transport fares can even have adverse consequences.

KiM has calculated the effects of lowering public transport fares for everyone and at all times on, among other things, car use and public transport use. Reducing public transport prices will result in an increase in public transport use, although more than 75 percent of that increase can be attributed to journeys that are not currently being made. Nevertheless, about 18 percent of the increase in public transport use would consist of movements that would otherwise be made by car. However, the effects of this are small because car use in our country is much greater than public transport use, according to KiM. For every percent that public transport is used more, car use decreases by only 0.03 percent.

According to the Knowledge Institute for Mobility Policy, a reduction in public transport fares is likely to have negative consequences. For example, people will probably cycle or walk less and the chance of getting a seat on the bus, tram or train will decrease even more. A possible consequence of the latter may be that travelers who are already using public transport are actually hunting for a different form of mobility, which may even include the car.

Making the car less attractive

Is there absolutely no way to get the Dutchman out of the car? According to KiM, there is, although it probably won’t make everyone happy. According to the Knowledge Institute, a combination of measures such as making the car less attractive on the one hand and making public transport more attractive on the other is a more effective way of reducing car use. ‘Making the car less attractive’ includes measures such as raising parking fees and taxes. In addition to fare reductions, a better offer and higher quality of public transport could help to make public transport more attractive.

Earlier this year, the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (PBL) concluded that the car is the most optimal means of transport in the Netherlands. The Dutch who own or have a car at their disposal would have by far the best access to facilities. Even during peak hours, the car would give you the best access to facilities in the Netherlands.