Regional transport networks and institution building: the role of co-operation

Since the beginning of the sixties in western Europe car mobility and car ownership have increased considerably. Transport flows are still increasing rapidly, and even on the long run for instance for the Netherlands annual growth figures of 3 % or more are envisaged. Unfortunately, the growth of mobility is not without problems. Mobility and especially car mobility has a deteriorating effect on the accessibility of economic centres and inner cities. Secondly, transport does influence environment and liveability negatively. The problems did result in a change of transport policy in many countries. Managing this mobility boom has become a challenge for most European governments, especially in urban areas. In the paper it will be argued that co-operation, as a kind of institution building, can be an option to deal with transportation problems and that several variables influence co-operation. First, it is concluded that it is the government which has to deal with the problems. Second it is showed that fiscal federalism offers a theory which can be used to build an administrative structure. In this theory, (voluntary) co-operation gets an important role. Third, it is argued that the possibility and effectiveness of voluntary co-operation is influenced by a number of variables. Finally, the situation in the Netherlands is discussed and recommendations will be given to increase chances for and effectiveness of co-operation.