Mitigating Overcrowding: Evaluating Policy Measures to Reduce Student Peak Travel on Dutch Trains
A Cost-Benefit Analysis
T.S. Bos (TU Delft - Technology, Policy and Management)
Jan Anne Anne Annema – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Transport and Logistics)
Rutger van Bergem – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Economics of Technology and Innovation)
Bert Van Wee – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Transport and Logistics)
More Info
expand_more
Other than for strictly personal use, it is not permitted to download, forward or distribute the text or part of it, without the consent of the author(s) and/or copyright holder(s), unless the work is under an open content license such as Creative Commons.
Abstract
This study addresses the growing demand for expanded train capacity in the Netherlands, particularly during peak hours. The current rail network is constrained by space and high infrastructure costs, prompting the exploration of policy measures aimed at encouraging alternative travel behaviours among students. This research evaluates four policy alternatives—ranging from requiring students to pay full peak fares to shifting lecture times—assessing their impact on student travel behaviour and overall welfare using Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA). Findings indicate that while three of the alternatives result in a welfare loss, the 'Shift Lecture Hours' alternative yields significant welfare gains. The recommendation from this research is therefore to collaboratively develop the shift in start times in education into a comprehensive set of policy changes that enjoy broad support from students, teaching staff, and educational institutions.