New insights in our daily mobility

The Netherlands Mobility Panel (MPN) has been actively compiling data for the past four years, during which time numerous research studies were conducted based on that data. As was also the case two years ago, a short animated video presents various research findings of studies conducted using Netherlands Mobility Panel data.

As such, recent research studies explored the impact that various ‘life events’ – like childbirth or moving house – have on changes in people's travel patterns (for more information, see the fact sheet: ‘How life events impact mobility’ (in Dutch). Research also focused on car sharing among friends, acquaintances and neighbours, as well as the use of car navigation systems (for more information, see the e-publication: ‘Navigation systems: who, when and why?' (in Dutch) Additionally, Netherlands Mobility Panel data was used to study how people view various transport modes, and how this has changed compared to the situation 10 years ago (for more information, see the brochure, ‘Stable views: trends in perceptions and views of mobility’ (in Dutch). Finally, the animated video offers brief insights into research studies that will incorporate Netherlands Mobility Panel data in future.

The Netherlands Mobility Panel examines the role that transport plays in the lives of millions of Dutch citizens.

Each year 2,000 households record all of their trips during three consecutive days.

And once again this has produced new insights!

Take Sandra and Robert’s family, for example.

Their travel patterns have remained the same for the past few years…as have those of virtually everyone residing on their street!

Except, that is, for their neighbours, Ahmed and Anna.

They used to travel everywhere by bike.

But ever since their baby was born…they usually take the car - or go by foot!

Sophie and Jessie are students who live down the street. They sometimes borrow Robert’s car on weekends.

Robert however is usually using his car himself. The navigation system is usually switched off, unless he has an important meeting.

Not that he always listens to it, though. Sometimes he knows a few handy short cuts himself.

Navigation systems, e-bikes, WiFi in trains and more energy-efficient cars…much has changed in transport between 2005 and 2016.

Nevertheless, the Dutch still hold the same opinions of the various transport modes as they did ten years ago!

Do your travel patterns change when you move from the city to the countryside?

Why do some people choose to go walking or cycling?

The Netherlands Mobility Panel will soon set about answering these and many other questions!