To continue last week’s topic,
today’s article aims to discuss the social impact of the issues within the
Dutch public transport.
In the Netherlands, one in ten
adults is finding it increasingly difficult to afford transport costs, from
fuel for a car or scooter to a simple train ticket. Many residents struggle to
cover these expenses, spending more than they can afford or cutting back on
other necessities to maintain their mobility. This issue has significant
societal implications, as mobility restrictions can isolate individuals from
essential social, professional, and familial engagements. According to the
Netherlands Institute for Transport Policy Analysis (KiM), a government-backed
research body, these mobility challenges disproportionately affect low-income
groups, single-parent households, and the unemployed.
Financial Sacrifices and Social
Isolation
KiM’s study revealed that a small
percentage of Dutch adults—between 1% and 5.5%—often miss social gatherings or
events, like family functions, because they cannot afford the travel expenses.
This lack of mobility not only affects personal connections but also limits
access to work, healthcare, and education. As such, mobility challenges deepen
financial strain and social isolation for vulnerable groups, urging the
government to direct financial relief measures toward these households.
Increasing Transport Costs Over Time
On average, Dutch households spend
about 14% of their income on transport, a percentage that has been rising. Over
the past eight years, transport prices have increased by 30%, outpacing the
general inflation rate. While fuel prices for fossil-fuel vehicles have seen
the steepest increase, public transport fares and bicycle-related costs have
risen more moderately. This escalation in transport costs has made it harder
for low-income households to afford mobility, especially those dependent on
cars in regions with limited public transport options.
The Impact of Energy Transition on
Transport Costs
As the Netherlands pushes toward
sustainable mobility through the energy transition, many households face an
increasing risk of “transport poverty.” This refers to the inability
of individuals or families to afford transportation costs, particularly as
fossil-fuel-driven vehicles become more expensive due to rising fuel taxes and
environmental regulations. The transition to greener transport options like
electric cars is financially out of reach for many low-income households,
leaving them vulnerable to higher fuel costs and new regulations.
According to research by the Dutch Organization
for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), between 113,000 and 270,000 Dutch
households are considered at risk due to a combination of low income and high
car mileage. These households typically live in medium-sized cities with
limited public transport access, making car dependence a necessity. Moreover,
many of these households lack the financial assets to switch to electric
vehicles, further exacerbating their vulnerability to rising transport costs.
Geographic Disparities in Transport
Accessibility
TNO’s analysis showed that
vulnerable households are concentrated in certain regions, such as the
southeastern edge of the country, including areas like Venlo, Enschede, and
metropolitan districts of Rotterdam and Almere. These areas tend to have poorer
public transport services, forcing residents to rely heavily on cars.
Additionally, many of these households spend between 10% and 12% of their
income on fuel, compared to a national average of 4.5%. The high mileage driven
by these families is not just for commuting but extends to pensioners and those
on benefits, highlighting the broad impact of transport costs.
Policy Challenges and
Recommendations
The Dutch government’s efforts to
mitigate transport costs, such as reducing excise duties on fuel between April
2022 and July 2023, provided temporary relief. However, this approach has been
criticized as inefficient because it disproportionately benefits wealthier
households who spend a smaller percentage of their income on fuel. For
vulnerable households, the reduction in fuel excise duty saved them
approximately €260 to €300 annually, compared to an average of €185 for other
car owners. Nonetheless, this measure is not seen as a cost-effective way to
help those most at risk of transport poverty.
TNO’s study calls for targeted
solutions that focus on expanding affordable and sustainable transport options,
such as electric bicycles, shared transport, and improved public transport
services. Policies that encourage the development of housing near essential
services and jobs, reducing the need for long commutes, are also crucial. This
would help lessen the financial burden on households that cannot afford the
transition to greener transport options.
Public Transport Accessibility
Decline: A Looming Crisis
In addition to the rising costs of
car-based travel, public transport in the Netherlands is also facing
challenges. A recent report by the Dutch Environmental Assessment Agency (PBL)
highlights a sharp decline in public transport services, particularly in rural
areas and on the outskirts of cities. Since 2012, many regions have seen bus
and train services cut, leaving residents with fewer travel options and longer
travel times to reach essential services like hospitals, schools, and
workplaces.
For example, in the northern
provinces of Drenthe, Groningen, and Friesland, bus stops have decreased by 7%
to 17% in recent years, exacerbating the mobility challenges for residents
without cars. The report finds that 30% of senior citizens in these regions
cannot reach a hospital within 30 minutes by public transport, and 17% of
children face similar barriers in accessing schools.
Growing Disparity Between Car Owners
and Public Transport Users
The PBL report underscores the
growing inequality between those who own cars and those who rely on public
transport. Car owners enjoy more reliable access to jobs and services, while
public transport users face delays and limited service, particularly during
off-peak hours. This disparity further disadvantages low- and middle-income
workers, especially those in jobs located in areas with poor public transport connections.
Moving Forward: Investing in
Sustainable Mobility
To address these issues, the PBL
calls for increased investment in public transport, cycling infrastructure, and
better integration of public transport hubs with essential services. Without
these interventions, the accessibility gap between car owners and public
transport users will continue to widen, further marginalizing those who cannot
afford a car or sustainable transport options.
To conclude, while transport costs
and accessibility remain pressing challenges for a significant portion of the
Dutch population, particularly low-income households, targeted policies and
investments can help reduce transport poverty and ensure mobility for all. As
the Netherlands transitions to a more sustainable future, it is essential that
vulnerable households are not left behind in this crucial aspect of everyday
life.
References
Mulder, P. (2024, March 04). Many
Dutch households risk facing transport poverty in the transition to
sustainable mobility. Retrieved from European Commission : https://urban-mobility-observatory.transport.ec.europa.eu/news-events/news/many-dutch-households-risk-facing-transport-poverty-transition-sustainable-mobility-2024-03-04_en
NL Times. (2024, August 27). One in
ten Dutch struggling to afford transport. Retrieved from NL Times:
https://nltimes.nl/2024/08/27/one-ten-dutch-struggling-afford-transport
The Northern Times. (2024, September). Transit
trouble: The Netherlands faces a public transport crisis. Retrieved from
The Northern Times:
https://northerntimes.nl/transit-trouble-the-netherlands-faces-a-public-transport-crisis/?amp=1
Photo: https://c.pxhere.com/photos/1d/56/city_crossing_crossroad_highway_overpass_small_town_street_traffic-1153738.jpg!d