Traveling by train or car is prohibitively expensive for many middle-income families, an investigation by family spending institute Nibud on behalf of public transport alliance Mobiliteitsalliantie has found.

The poorest 10% of families were know to have difficulties finding affordable travel, but the latest research shows that families on a modal income of €44,000 a year are struggling too.

Families dependent on a single middle income have to cut costs elsewhere to make up for the hundreds of euros they spend on travel, the investigation shows.

Travel costs have gone up by almost 30% between 2015 and 2023, while inflation has risen by 26% over the same period. Higher petrol prices and more expensive public transport tickets account for the rise.

People in towns are slightly better off than people living in the country, the investigation found, because the shorter distances mean they have the option of cycling.

Social fabric

The Mobiliteitsalliantie said the lack of opportunity for travel not only affects the people concerned but also “damages the social fabric of society”.

People must be able to travel, whether it is to work or a job interview, visiting or caring for an elderly parent or go to the sports club,” chair Marga de Jager told broadcaster NOS.

The alliance recommends a review of the current rules on travel expenses and better information about the true costs of travel.

Amenities should also be closer to where people live and work because that determines people’s mobility.