This research investigates the acceptability of Travel Demand Management (TDM) measures among Dutch students and teachers to reduce train overcrowding by students during peak hours. Overcrowding has become a significant issue for the Dutch railway operator exacerbated by staff shortages and limited capacity expansion due to infrastructure constraints. The large number of students travelling during peak times, benefiting from government-subsidized public transport, contributes substantially to the problem.

The central aim was to identify which TDM measures would have the highest acceptability to students. A key contribution of this research is the development of an individual acceptability framework tailored to Dutch students.

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 students from both HBO and WO levels and 5 teachers. Findings indicate that while students are aware of the overcrowding issue, their motivation to alter travel behaviour is primarily driven by personal discomfort rather than moral responsibility. The most acceptable measures among students were ‘adjusting schedules’ and ‘compressed workweeks’, which were seen as effective and fair. Increasing travel costs by 50% was considered effective but raised concerns regarding fairness and potential negative impacts on educational quality.

This research recommends further research into ‘schedule adjustments’ and ‘compressed workweeks’, with attention to logistical and organizational constraints. Additionally, it highlights the potential relation between socio-economic factors and the acceptability factors. Furthermore, future studies should examine the regional distribution of overcrowding to avoid broad, nationwide measures for region-specific issues.