Acceptability of Tradable Mobility Credits in the Metropolitan Region of Amsterdam
"What a monstrous regulation"
J. Massot (TU Delft - Civil Engineering & Geosciences)
G. Homem de Almeida Correia – Mentor (TU Delft - Civil Engineering & Geosciences)
M. Kroesen – Mentor (TU Delft - Technology, Policy and Management)
K. Kavta – Mentor (TU Delft - Technology, Policy and Management)
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Abstract
The transportation sector is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions in Europe, with road transport being the largest contributor. To achieve low-carbon urban mobility, restrictive Travel Demand Management (TDM) measures, such as Tradable Mobility Credits (TMCs), are essential. TMCs aim to internalize transport externalities by allocating free credits to users, which are consumed based on travel behaviour. However, their public acceptability, particularly how scheme design influences perceptions of fairness, effectiveness, and freedom, remains understudied.
This study addresses this gap by conducting a rating experiment with 803 respondents from the Metropolitan Region of Amsterdam (MRA). Using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), we analyze how TMC scheme characteristics: credit allocation, users of credits, transferability/validity of credits, and trading market regulations affect acceptability, mediated by perceptions of fairness, effectiveness, and freedom. We also examine the role of individual characteristics (sociodemographics and travel behaviour) and attitudinal factors in shaping these perceptions and acceptability.
Results show that accessibility-based credit allocation and inclusive user eligibility enhance perceived fairness and acceptability, while credit expiration reduces them. Environmental responsibility, emerges as a strong predictor of acceptability, followed by perceived fairness and effectiveness. Individual characteristics, such as age and public transport subscription, also play a significant role, with older individuals and those without PT subscriptions exhibiting lower acceptability.
This study empirically validates the influence of TMC design characteristics, attitudinal, and individual factors on public acceptability. Findings suggest policymakers should prioritize fairness and awareness campaigns to improve TMC acceptability while addressing concerns about personal freedom and equity.