Unfortunately, even yesterday's growth gems are not immune to the unpredictable fate of business.
It has been a week full of changes, innovations and discussions in the world of transport and mobility, from Ghent to Amsterdam and beyond. It remains a dynamic landscape that keeps people busy. The contrasts in mobility choices and their expressions are fascinating.
Nora Aljobouri's Barbie BMW has become more than just a pink car. It represents society's ever-changing attitude towards personalization and identity. In a world in which Amsterdam restricts car access, a BMW is driving around in Hasselt that screams for attention.
big cleaning
After ten days of celebration, the Ghent Festivities are nearing their end. The 180th edition has again attracted many visitors, and now it's time for a big clean-up. The people of Ghent are looking forward to the return of their daily routine and their familiar mobility.
After one more day of partying crowds, the city will prepare for a thorough clean-up, after which residents will resume their familiar mobility
A choice that now changes for everyone because it bankruptcy VanMoof points to the volatility of the bicycle market. Unfortunately, even yesterday's growth gems are not immune to the unpredictable fate of business.
Amsterdam
We prefer to write as little as possible about the capital that would prefer to get rid of all tourists. It's in full swing, isn't it? Cars are getting less and less space in the center thanks to new traffic plans. Aljobouri gets attention with her pink BMW with license plate 'BARBIE' during a film premiere in Hasselt. Such a striking vehicle would perhaps be less welcome in Amsterdam given the political choices.
But the biggest change comes for the cruise sector now that the municipality is considering banning cruise ships, which have docked at Central Station since 2000. The argument? They are “extremely polluting”. The city council is looking at Venice as an example, where air pollution dropped significantly after banning cruise ships.
turret
This week also political commotion in the hilt about that much too small office. The criticism of the Italian Secretary of State for Transport, Matteo Salvini, op Frans Timmermans marks the growing tensions between European leaders. At a time when the EU is being challenged on many fronts, such public exchanges are indicative of the complexity of pan-European relations. Frans Timmermans is always the center of discussion, even when Jeroen Pauw joins Renze.
Italy's Secretary of State for Transport, Matteo Salvini, was critical, tweeting: "He will not be missed. This gentleman has done a lot of damage, we hope the Dutch voters treat him as he deserves".
Also news from the taxi world during the Four Days Marches in Nijmegen, a major event. The local taxi label is another attempt to ensure a certain level of quality control. There was no better time to announce it. Taxi drivers in Nijmegen have their own quality mark during the Four Days Marches. Clever, or just a little self-promotion?
Yet we have to keep shouting how well we are doing in the taxi sector. In Groningen, residents are satisfied with collective transport, although there is still room for improvement, according to the city government. And in Den Helder, history was written there this week. Users of the WMO taxi can now get real-time information about their remaining journeys. That is, they can ask the driver what the balance is. A technological breakthrough!
The municipality of Edam-Volendam is working on a new, progressive plan to raise mobility within its borders to a higher level. The winding streets of Edam and the lively dike of Volendam are more than just picturesque sights. And yes, you read that right! The municipality of Edam-Volendam wants know what you think. Whether you cycle through the streets of Edam every day, take the bus from Volendam, or simply explore the beautiful region on foot, your experience counts.
In Tilburg they are busy catching the 'illegal' taxis during the fair.
Tilburg is extra vigilant during the fair days. The Brabant fair city is now going all the way '007' with special taxi vignettes and sleuths who track down illegal taxis during fair days. Should you consider an illegal taxi… maybe think twice? Tilburg does not cut back on fun. Also this year, tons will be added to make the Tilburg Fair possible.
Nearby, Veldhoven has other grand plans for an electric future, because the municipality is planning a major expansion of charging points for electric cars, anticipating a growing number of electric vehicles. How innovative, and already by 2025.
to care
While big cities like Amsterdam and Ghent dominate the headlines, there are also concerns about our mobility. Convertibles, once upon a time symbol of freedom, are seeing a decline in popularity. Is it price, climate change or health concerns? The answer remains a mystery for now. A bright spot came from Germany this week. Duisburger Verkehrsgesellschaft AG plans a zero-emission fleet by 2030. In the streets of Duisburg silent and emission-free vehicles powered by hydrogen appear.
As the week draws to a close, one thing remains clear: from small towns to major metropolises, the future of mobility is in flux. It remains a dynamic landscape that keeps people busy.
