The new coalition of D66, VVD, and CDA presents itself with a clear ambition and a distinct tone.
What is particularly striking about the plans regarding mobility is that accessibility is no longer treated as a separate policy issue, but is explicitly linked to housing, safety, and the economy. Mobility is not an end in itself in the coalition agreement, but a precondition for solving other social problems.
measures
No grand statements about behavioral change, but concrete measures regarding maintenance, safety, affordability, and accessibility. Mobility is presented as something that must work for everyone, in all regions, and that must above all be reliable and safe. This pragmatic character is perhaps the most striking element of the mobility policy in this coalition agreement.
Under the leadership of Rob Jetten, Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius, and Henri Bontenbal, the cabinet wants to "build a better Netherlands" in the coming years. In their joint foreword, the three party leaders clearly set out their course. "We believe that society wants a politics that shows that working together yields more than working against each other," they write, thereby immediately distancing themselves from the political polarization that, in their view, has eroded trust in the government.
housing market
The housing market, which has been under severe pressure for years, is central to the coalition's plans. The cabinet has decided to maintain mortgage interest relief, a measure intended primarily to offer homeowners peace of mind in times of economic uncertainty. At the same time, it is recognized that this does not solve the problems in the housing market. From 2029, €1 billion will be made available annually for the construction of affordable housing. With this, the coalition not only wants to tackle the housing shortage, but also ensure that first-time buyers, families, and the elderly once again have prospects for a suitable place to live.
A first clear line is that infrastructure will be structurally linked to housing construction. New roads, railways, and public transport connections will only be given priority if they demonstrably contribute to the accessibility of new residential areas and economic development. In doing so, the cabinet is breaking with the past, when infrastructure projects often stood alone. Mobility is presented as a means of alleviating the housing shortage and improving the functioning of regions.
An important part of this approach is promoting mobility. According to the government, many households no longer live in a home that suits their income or stage of life. By facilitating greater mobility and combating so-called skewed housing, homes should become available for people who really need them. The coalition sees a clear role for both municipalities and housing associations in this regard, which, together with the government, must ensure a more balanced distribution of available living space.
In addition, it is striking that the agreement focuses strongly on maintenance rather than expansion. Several passages emphasize that bridges, tunnels, viaducts, and railways are approaching the end of their service life. The cabinet has explicitly chosen to prioritize overdue maintenance in the coming years over large-scale new construction. Safety, reliability, and traffic flow are cited as decisive factors in this decision. This points to a more pragmatic, management-oriented vision of mobility.
Housing construction is explicitly linked to accessibility in the plans. From now on, new infrastructure must go hand in hand with the development of new residential areas. The coalition wants to prevent the emergence of neighborhoods that are poorly accessible or where residents remain dependent on cars. At the same time, it is recognized that the existing infrastructure in many parts of the country is in need of maintenance. Roads, bridges, and viaducts are in a worrying state in some places. The cabinet is therefore allocating additional resources to tackle these bottlenecks, with a view to safety and traffic flow.
fuel tax
The agreement includes a concrete concession for motorists. The reduction in fuel excise duty on gasoline will be extended for another year. In this way, the coalition wants to prevent driving from becoming unaffordable for large groups of Dutch people, especially in regions where public transport is not a viable alternative. This measure is presented as temporary, pending broader reforms in the areas of mobility and taxation.
Public transport is also receiving attention, particularly in terms of connections to other forms of transport. Public transport hubs must become more accessible to cyclists, making the combination of cycling and traveling by train or bus more attractive. The government considers cycling to be an essential part of sustainable mobility, especially in urban areas where space is scarce and pressure on the road network remains high.
road safety
In the area of road safety, the coalition has announced a striking measure for fat bikes. According to municipalities and the police, these increasingly popular electric bikes are causing growing concern, mainly due to high speeds and young riders. The cabinet therefore wants to introduce a minimum age and make helmets compulsory. With this step, the coalition aims to reduce the number of accidents and create clarity in the traffic situation.
A striking detail is the strong focus on chain mobility, particularly cycling. Public transport hubs must become more accessible to cyclists, positioning the combination of bicycle and train as a fully-fledged alternative to the car. The bicycle is not only seen as a sustainable means of transport, but also as a practical solution for accessibility in urban areas. In the area of road safety, the fat bike measure stands out. The agreement introduces a separate vehicle category, with a minimum age, helmet requirement, and the possibility for municipalities to establish fat bike-free zones. This shows that the cabinet is prepared to intervene quickly and specifically in response to new mobility problems, rather than waiting for existing legislation.
All in all,the agreementoutlines a coalition that is committed to stability and cooperation, with an emphasis on housing, accessibility, and safety. The words from the foreword, in which Jetten, Yeşilgöz-Zegerius, and Bontenbal emphasize that politics must once again demonstrate that cooperation pays off, form the common thread running through the plans. Whether this ambition can be realized in practice remains to be seen in the coming years, but the direction is clear: build, connect, and restore trust.
