Mobility Club

Why do traffic jams happen in the first place? Why don’t we simply build more roads? And should drivers really have to pay for using them? In this episode, we talk about congestion pricing with Erik Verhoef, professor at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and research fellow at the Tinbergen Institute. His research focuses on how economic instruments can help address the negative externalities of transport, with a particular focus on road congestion. We discuss why economists have long seen congestion pricing as an effective solution to traffic, why expanding road capacity alone often fails to solve the problem, and how congestion depends on where and when people travel. From electronic road pricing in ingapore to congestion charging in London and Stockholm, we explore how different systems work in practice and what policymakers can learn from them. Finally, we look at the politics of congestion pricing, why public opposition often declines after implementation, how revenues can shape perceptions of fairness, and why solving congestion may require changing the behavior of only a small share of travelers. More about our guest: https://research.vu.nl/en/persons/erik-verhoef/ Music recommendation of the episode: https://open.spotify.com/intl-de/track/06ypiqmILMdVeaiErMFA91

Why should we care about public transport ridership? Why do so few people use it in some places? And what has changed since the pandemic? In this episode, we explore the dynamics behind public transport use with Candace Brakewood, professor at the University of Tennessee. Her research focuses on transit systems, travel behavior, and how emerging mobility options interact with public transport. We discuss what ridership actually measures and which role new modes such as bikesharing or e-scooters play. We also look at long-term trends before the pandemic, the impact of telework and relocation, and what these shifts mean for the future of transit. Finally, we explore what makes public transport more attractive: from better funding and fare policies to digital tools. More about our guest: https://candacebrakewood.com Music recommendation of the episode: M.T.A. by the Kingston Trio https://open.spotify.com/intl-de/track/3jqgtknEHeqWMaL558O3YL?si=238812fea2004ffb

How can data-driven tools improve transport policymaking? How should researchers use AI responsibly? And why can simpler models sometimes lead to better decisions?In this episode, we talk about the power of mobility data with Robin Lovelace, Professor of Transport Data Science at the University of Leeds Institute for Transport Studies. His work combines research, software development, and teaching to advance evidence-based transport planning.We discuss what makes data-driven tools not only open but truly usable, how travel-to-school data can help address biases in cycling infrastructure planning, and how researchers can make their work more accessible and actionable for practitioners.More about our guest: https://www.robinlovelace.netExplore the Propensity to Cycle Tool: https://www.pct.bikeMusic recommendation of the episode:“Only So Much Oil in the Ground” by Tower of Powerhttps://open.spotify.com/track/4L6cv7W4EpaB62kPoyCQK7?si=YBJ6JtquTVao-coETRy7Vw

Mobility Club is the podcast where we meet and talk transport. Supported by EIT Urban Mobility. Season 1 airs in February