Amsterdam Tests ‘Park + Switch’ Solution: Will It Improve Urban Mobility?

As of this year, Amsterdam’s city centre has officially become an emission-free zone, prompting a significant shift in how entrepreneurs access the area. To facilitate this transition, the municipality has launched the 'Park + Switch' initiative at Piet Heinkade. This programme allows business owners who do not have an electric vehicle yet to park their conventional transport and switch to more sustainable options such as electric scooters, cargo bikes, and mopeds. The initiative aims to reduce congestion and pollution while ensuring businesses can continue to operate effectively in the heart of the city.

(Credit: foto AT5)

AT5 recently covered the launch of the 'Park + Switch' initiative, highlighting the perspectives of entrepreneurs and local officials. José Komin, director of a refrigeration installation company, expressed both enthusiasm and concerns about the experiment. “Our mechanics occasionally struggle with the hustle and bustle in the city. They sometimes can't get rid of their bus and are stuck for a long time. There are advantages to such a smaller vehicle,” Komin stated. However, she also acknowledged potential drawbacks: “It may be a hassle to put the bus away and transfer. We're going to see.”

For businesses like Komin’s, avoiding the city centre isn’t an option, as many of their clients are based there. The initiative raises the question whether these additional logistical hurdles might drive professionals, particularly technicians who are already in short supply, to seek work elsewhere where restrictions are less stringent.

Amsterdam’s traffic alderman, Melanie van der Horst, acknowledged these concerns while also emphasising the benefits. “So far, we see that a lot of mechanics are actually suffering from looking for parking spaces and high parking costs. This actually offers a solution.” She admitted that the extra steps—parking, transferring materials, and switching vehicles—might deter some at first. However, for certain professionals, such as installers carrying only a toolbox, this could be a viable alternative to using a full-sized van.

Many European cities, including Amsterdam, are making their city centres low-traffic zones to improve liveability. However, urban logistics continues to grow, requiring new solutions to manage congestion. The 'Park + Switch' initiative is part of the EU-supported MoLo Hubs project, which is being tested in five European cities. The project aims to explore how municipalities and businesses can successfully implement logistics hubs.

The trial phase will last approximately one year, with a full assessment expected within two years. The municipality will examine several aspects, including the usability of the app, pricing models, user experiences, and the overall impact on city logistics. Additionally, the trial will help determine whether managing such hubs should remain a public responsibility or if private entities like Q-Park or RAI could operate them as a commercial venture.

The success of the programme will depend on how well it accommodates the needs of entrepreneurs while achieving its sustainability goals. The balance between efficiency and environmental responsibility will be critical in determining whether 'Park + Switch' becomes a permanent fixture in Amsterdam’s transportation strategy.

The original articles were reported by AT5 and additional information was sourced from the MoLo Hubs project, providing insights into the broader European efforts to improve urban logistics through mobility hubs.