The key factors for providing successful public transport in low-density areas in The Netherlands

Abstract Providing public transport in low-density areas, which is usually cost-inefficient, has been a challenge for many governments all over the world. In their quest of finding the right approach, governments have tried to combine many aspects within a transport system. Of all these aspects, we distinguish seven “key ingredients” that contribute largely to the success or failure of such a system. The management of these key ingredients is examined in several successful cases in the Netherlands. The case studies show that the combination of key ingredients is crucial for achieving success. Each low-density area can have its own optimal combination, depending on the wishes of the stakeholders and the circumstances of the system. However, it appears that the presence of three ingredients is crucial for success: the presence of financial means, cooperation between stakeholders and flexible supply of scheduled and on-demand transports.