Editorial

Special issue: Transport Growth and Pricing of Mobility

Abstract

Mobility behaviour (e.g. car driving) is a complex phenomenon, the future of which is fraught with uncertainties and unpredictabilities, as the transport system is influenced by a many different key variables such as type of spatial network, (non-)governmental organisations and institutions, or local regional or national regulatory system. As a consequence, we observe on the one hand rapid growth trends in mobility (in relation to e.g. globalisation factors), but on the other hand also many barriers and impediments (e.g. congestion). Hence, there is a need for a thorough reflection on the various effects (per mode, region/city, spatial network system, policy measure, etc.) of the ever increasing traffic volume. Clearly, the emerging negative externalities (like congestion, pollution, noise annoyance and accidents) play a critical role in this framework. Keeping in mind that the ultimate Kyoto objectives focus inter alia on the achievement of a sustainable transport system, pricing of mobility is a key issue, since it aims to reach allocative efficiency and to raise social welfare within the context of political and social feasibility.