Accessibility of public transport

Public transport in the Netherlands must become much more accessible, so that as many people as possible can use it independently. The House of Representatives is of the opinion that the necessary adaptations may not be postponed any longer.

Accessibility of public transport
Buses,bus stops, trains, trams, underground railways, stations and platforms must be designed so as to enable as many people as possible to use public transport independently. This can be achieved, for instance, by the introduction of low-floor vehicles, the heightening of platforms and bus stops and the installation of more lifts in stations. This should make it easier for people with a disability to use public transport. By the end of 2007, the House of Representatives urged the Government to accelerate the implementation of the Railway Accessibility Programme. Within half a year Transport Minister Camiel Eurlings will come up with proposals to carry out most of the implementation programme before 2018.

Debate with the Cabinet
On 4 September 2008 the standing Committee on Transport, Public Works and Water Management had a debate with Mr Camiel Eurlings, Minister of Transport, Public Works and Water Management, and State Secretary Ms Tineke Huizinga-Heringa about the progress in the necessary adaptation of vehicles, stations, bus and tram stops and platforms. The proposals to accelerate the implementation were also discussed.

Progress in Adaptations

The State Secretary expects that by 2010 98% all local and regional buses will be easily accessible low-floor vehicles, equipped with a ramp. About half the bus stops will be improved by 2015. The four major cities in the Netherlands show considerable differences when it comes to improved accessibility of trams and tram stops. The Amsterdam underground and light rail systems as well as the Randstad Rail system meet the requirements as far as rolling stock, platforms and accessibility are concerned. At several railway stations a start has been made with the building of lifts and ramps.

Inconvenience caused by adaptation works
The Minister has identified the consequences of the acceleration of the adaptations to the railway transport system. Heightening 200 km of platforms over a ten-year period will cause a lot of extra inconvenience to travellers,with many more services cancelled and less rail transport during weekends. Dilemmas of this kind were discussed during the debate.