Amsterdam is using cooperation models to improve its urban transportation

Amsterdam is famous for bicycles - and cyclists. Statistically, every single inhabitant of the city owns a bicycle.

In 2017, a bicycle sharing system entered Amsterdam with two more services following quickly. Use figures were initially low which is thought to be due to the high level of bicycle ownership. In addition, parking spaces for shared bicycles were adding to the pressure on public space from parked bicycles - which was already nearing capacity. The city’s response was to regulate access to public space for bicycle sharing providers by removing them. However, Amsterdam used this experience to review its regulations on shared transport services and established its new policies to regulate shared modalities.

Amsterdam is home to various transport services and mobility companies such as the sharing of cars, bicycles, e-scooters and also drones, which enrich the mobility options of residents and visitors alike. Shared platforms for providers complement the sharing services. In 2019, Amsterdam and Uber together introduced a Social Charter following a series of accidents involving Uber drivers. The Charter is based on traffic safety, independent research, data sharing, and sustainability and is subject to constant monitoring and discussion between Amsterdam and Uber. In the same year, Amsterdam worked with the World Economic Forum on the Guidelines for Transforming City Mobility Systems. As a result of these efforts, Amsterdam learnt a very valuable lesson: open communication between a city and companies creates a new understanding and better cooperation to improve urban mobility services to a city’s users. Today, Amsterdam is working with companies, knowledge institutions, other cities, governments and the local community on “Amsterdam’s Terms and Conditions” to regulate mobility service providers in the city.

Article published first at World Economic Forum on 17th of March 2020