1. About reducing environmental impact
– 3 out of 4 regions that contracted with Stadsregio Amsterdam are already equipped with “Particulate Soot filters” (the 4th one is coming up in December) thus the overall impact of emissions by the diesel busses will
become minimal.
– Although direct prescription to operators for energy and fuel choice has not been made, Stadsregio Amsterdam requires that all operators fulfill the Euro V emission standard.
– Non motorized modes are enhanced, notably the support for the bicycle network, with substantial investment in new parking facilities and new lanes.
2. About tackling road congestion
– By 2011 at the latest a National road pricing scheme will be implemented for private car users.
– The calculation of the charge will depend on time and place of trip and will also take into account energy efficiency and
fuel type of consumption of the private vehicle. On due time the scheme should be enlarge to Amsterdam region.
– On the whole a reduction of congestion and air pollution is expected as well as a decrease of injuries and fatalities caused by road accidents. However the system of road pricing calls for an extra effort of Public Transport.
3. About behavioral change
Although there are no certain strategy to influence attitudes towards public transport, Stadsregio Amsterdam supports the 16 municipalities partners of the transport authority in carrying out the communication with the citizens of the Metropolitan Region of Amsterdam. The operators on their part are encouraged to develop an outreaching attitude towards potential customer through image campaign and marketing activities.
4. About Safety and security
– StadsRegio Amsterdam has an active policy on safety and security relying on a cooperation with the City, the operators, and Amsterdam Metropolitan police.
– A mobile task force is dedicated by the police and specific efforts are required from operators about information, services and safety in transport hubs such as Amsterdam central station. Also camera surveillance is used and extended to busses.
5. About the “Regionaal Verkeer-en-Vervoerplan” (Regional mobility and transport policy plan)
The plan draws strategies to handle the further growing mobility in the region within 2015 and to improve the accessibility of the region. The development of infrastructure for the longer term (2020-2030) foresees the underground connection linking the north of Amsterdam to the south via the city centre. Another important project for the coming years is the introduction of electronic ticketing.