Long-distance bus and multimodal hubs: stakeholder and institutional analysis through an argumentative framework
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2025-08-31
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en
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This thesis examines the justification and success conditions for implementing a long-distance bus (LDB) connection with integrated mobility hubs, using the argumentative 5E framework (Effectiveness, Efficiency, Economy, Environment, and Equity). Within the fragmented Dutch concession system, governance complexity and institutional barriers often challenge project execution. The study applies a qualitative, exploratory design, drawing on semi-structured interviews with stakeholders from municipalities, provinces, operators, consultancy, and advocacy.
The analysis, based on interpretative results from interviews, reveals that all five domains of the 5E framework are present in practice but differ in operationalisation. Effectiveness is linked to usage and integration with wider mobility networks, while efficiency emerges as both institutional (role alignment) and technical (reuse of infrastructure). Economic arguments dominate political decision-making, though rural-scale benefits are difficult to quantify. Environmental and equity considerations carry rhetorical weight but lack measurable indicators. Overlaps across domains highlight synergies, such as infrastructure reuse aligning with efficiency, effectiveness, and economy.
Key success conditions include delivering quick, visible results to maintain political momentum, complemented by long-term vision creating. Ultimately, the success of LDB and hub projects depends on aligning fragmented governance roles, framing arguments convincingly, and modestly designing user-oriented solutions that reuse existing infrastructure.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen