INTERMODALITY MEASURES TO STIMULATE PUBLIC TRANSPORT USAGE

The Transport Research Centre of the Dutch Ministry of Transport has investigated public transport in several European urban areas. This paper discusses examples of the different measures implemented there. They can be classified into: (1) quality of public transport; (2) integration within public transport; (3) integration of individual modes within public transport; (4) incentives for making car use less attractive; and (5) other measures and developments that affect public transport usage. High-quality public transport requires fast and affordable journeys, punctual and frequent services, accessibility, comfort, safety, good 'image', and adequate information. Good arrangements for interchange between different public transport services, and between public and private transport, are needed. An integrated policy for public transport and car traffic must aim to reduce car use; the measures most often used here are parking charges, reduction of parking space, traffic circulation measures, and car-free urban centres. Transport policy needs to be coordinated with land-use planning and spatial planning. The study showed that public transport has a stronger position, and attracts more road users, in cities with a broad vision of transport and well-organised high-quality public transport.