For many Dutch families with an average income, mobility is becoming increasingly unattainable.
The rising cost of transport means they are at risk of falling short by hundreds of euros each month, severely limiting their freedom to travel. The press release shows that according to recent research by Nibud, commissioned by the Mobility Alliance, families and couples are between 200 and 900 euros short on mobility each month, depending on their transport needs and commuting distances. This has far-reaching consequences not only for the quality of life of these households, but also for the social fabric of society.
The increase in transport costs between 2015 and 2023 appears to be significant. While inflation rose by 26 percent in the same period, transport costs increased by almost 30 percent. This means that transport has become more expensive faster than other essential expenses. Although it was already known that around 10 percent of the Dutch population had difficulty getting from A to B, this research shows that this group has now become much larger. This development is worrying, especially for households with lower incomes who face the greatest mobility problems.
access to mobility
Marga de Jager, chair of the Mobility Alliance, emphasizes the importance of affordable mobility as a condition for full participation in society. “Access to affordable mobility is a prerequisite for being able to participate in society. Whether that is to go to work or a job interview, to visit a parent to provide informal care or to take children to the sports club,” says De Jager.
She warns that large groups of Dutch people can no longer afford this and are increasingly forced to make difficult choices. “Our society is the loser of this,” she says. People who, for example, cannot afford a car or public transport, become socially isolated and can contribute less actively to the labor process or social networks.
recommendations
In order to break this negative spiral, the Mobility Alliance presents three directions for a structural approach to the mobility problem. Firstly, they advocate better use of the existing possibilities for travel allowance. At present, there is no standard allowance for travel expenses to work, especially for low incomes. De Jager emphasises that employers should make more use of the fiscal possibilities to reimburse transport costs, both for cars and for alternatives such as bicycles and public transport. This could make a significant difference, especially for low incomes.
In the coming years, it will be crucial to continue the political and social discussion about mobility. Without intervention, the number of people who experience mobility as an insurmountable problem will only increase. The question is not only whether the Netherlands can offer everyone affordable mobility, but also whether the country can afford not to do so.
A second solution proposed by the alliance is to bring living, working and facilities closer together. Shorter travel distances would not only reduce the costs of mobility, but also contribute to a reduction in CO2 emissions. However, this shift requires decisive government intervention. “The organisation of work, living and leisure largely determines our mobility behaviour,” according to the Mobility Alliance.
The third proposed measure focuses on improving insight into the real costs of mobility. Many people do not have a clear picture of how much they actually spend on transport and what choices they could make in this regard. Although there is enough information available, it is not yet available to everyone in an accessible and clear way. According to the alliance, they and their partners can play a greater role in this by providing consumers with useful and understandable information.
inclusive society
The consequences of expensive mobility go beyond the financial worries of households. The loss of freedom to travel not only limits personal and professional opportunities, but also undermines social cohesion in the Netherlands. People who are financially unable to visit family and friends or participate in social life become isolated. This not only affects their individual well-being, but also has broader societal consequences. For example, it hinders informal care, such as informal care, which in turn increases the pressure on formal care.
With the recommendations made by the Mobility Alliance, it is hoped that not only the direct mobility costs for households will be reduced, but also the social and economic inequality in the Netherlands will be countered. The alliance emphasizes that mobility is a basic condition for an inclusive and fair society in which everyone can participate.
Mobility Alliance
De Mobility Alliance is a partnership of various organizations that jointly strive for better, affordable and sustainable mobility in the Netherlands. The alliance consists of 25 members, ranging from transport companies to interest groups and industry associations, all committed to increasing the accessibility of mobility for everyone.
The members include major players such as the ANWB, known for its wide range of services in the field of mobility and traffic. Arriva, NS and Transdev, major public transport operators, are also part of the alliance. In addition, there are various interest groups such as the Cyclists' Union and Wandelnet, which stand up for cyclists and walkers, as well as the Association of Business Drivers and VNA, which focus on the interests of business mobility. Other members, such as Schiphol and Transport & Logistiek Nederland, represent major logistics hubs and transport companies.
Nibud
The Nibud is an independent knowledge and advice centre in the field of household finances. They aim for a Netherlands without financial problems. They have intensive contact with numerous organisations. From universities and the financial business community to national and local governments and volunteer organisations.
