Where in Zuidas
You can take part here. Since 2014, we’ve been carrying out mobility research on behalf of the Accessible Zuidas Taskforce in the form of a survey. We usually use the surveys to find out how we can improve the accessibility of Zuidas, because it’s getting busier every year. But this year things look different: even in peak periods, it’s easy to keep a distance of 1.5 m and where it’s normally busy at lunchtime in Claude Debussylaan, the bars and restaurants are now largely empty. ‘But that doesn’t make our survey any less useful’, stresses Johan Feld, analyst and co-compiler of the survey.
Different this time
‘This year, the main question is not how can we keep the ever-busy Zuidas accessible in a pleasant and sustainable way, but how can we ensure that we keep Zuidas accessible enough that people feel they can come here in a coronavirus-proof way’, says Feld. ‘And, if it turns out that they do not feel that way, we – the City Council, employers, and public transport – can respond to that by making improvements.’ But before that change can happen, information is needed. ‘We can only take the necessary measures if we all know about the preferences people have and the choices that they’re making with regard to mobility in 2020.’
Safe and secure
In previous years, the results have led to measures aimed at promoting the use of bikes and comfortable public transport and avoiding traffic jams as much as possible. Feld: ‘It’s all about facilitating more bicycle parking spaces and e-bikes, as well as encouraging employers to delay opening their meeting rooms until 10.00 in the morning in order to avoid the busy peak period. We’ve been focusing particularly on the latter; minor changes that ensure that the flow of people to Zuidas is spread more effectively, taking the pressure off the busy station.’
Questionnaire altered
Since the station is less busy at the moment, we’ve altered the questionnaire. Feld: ‘We’re now interested in finding out how people are experiencing working from home and whether they’re still travelling to Zuidas at all, and, if so, in which situations. Of course, we also want to know how people travel to Zuidas. For example, are you now travelling more often by car? And when we’re allowed to return to the office again, do people expect to continue to work at home more often? We want to find out about all these things.’ If everyone says that the car now offers real advantages, this is not something we will be encouraging in the future. ‘That’s not what the measures are aimed at, no. There are so many healthier and more sustainable ways of travelling to Zuidas, and that’s what we’re focusing on.’
Win € 100
We would very much appreciate it if you would take part in the survey. And there’s a chance of something in return for your effort: if you complete the survey, you could win one of five €100 Amaze travel credits. The Amaze app goes live at the start of 2021. From then, you can use a single app to plan, book and pay for your travel in and to Zuidas by shared bike, shared scooter, shared car, taxi, and public transport. Participants will also be included in a draw for 5 ‘Zuidas in box’ packages, featuring a selection from the best from the Zuidas businesses. These are being made available by Hello Zuidas.
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