The Dutch Mobility Transition

Executive Summary

Introduction

The Netherlands is broadly seen as a lighthouse for mobility systems around the world due
to how the country transitioned away from car and fossil fuel dependency during the 1970s
oil crisis. While the country has a broadly effective system in place, particularly in terms of
active mobility options, there are gaps that exist for portions of the population. This position
paper takes a particular interest in the gender inequalities of the Dutch mobility system,
including in how the system fails to address the differences in time, cost, sense of safety,
and mobility needs between men and women. As the mobility sector is once again
undertaking a transition, this time parallel to the energy transition in the race to reduce
climate impacts, it especially analyses how e-mobility options could be deployed to ensure
this transition is just. The result of the analysis is actionable recommendations for
policymakers, academics, activists, and industry on how to address the shortcomings of
the existing mobility system. Additionally, a concluding section is devoted to the lessons
which other countries can learn from the Netherlands, wherever their mobility system
stands.

This research was undertaken as part of and was supported by the UsersTCP project, within
the EmPOWERing All Task.

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