Fighting rush hours: education establishments in Amsterdam will have different class timetables

The local authorities have reached an agreement that is expected to reduce crowding on roads and public transport

It goes without saying that urban development is linked to growing tension in traffic. Without proper support in terms of infrastructure, city expansion might create more pressure on it – public transport becomes more crowded and roads and paths become jammed. Is there a solution that does not rob the comfort of commuters?

There might be, as far as Amsterdam is concerned. The authorities of the Dutch capital announced yesterday that they are implementing a measure to alleviate rush hours in the city district of Zeeburgereiland, an island within the ring of Amsterdam which is currently in a stage of rapid development.

Simple solutions to a nagging problem

In particular, two of the future educational institutions - the Inholland University of Applied Sciences and Montessori Lyceum Amsterdam #2, which will open their doors in 2024 and 2025, have agreed to spread out their lesson start times over the morning and their end times – over the afternoon and the evening.

The expected outcome of this is that those who study and work there will have to depart at different times, rather than crowding at the same moment, thereby reducing pressure on infrastructure. This shall result in fewer users of public transport, calmer cycling lanes and streets. Combined, the two institutions are expected to welcome 8,000 students, so the effect of the measure might be significant.

The measure appears very timely as this district is expected to grow considerably within the next few years. In particular, the city is building tram lines, cycling paths and a ferry.

Apart from being a residential district, however, the island of Zeeburgereiland is a place to visit and an important traffic hub. It hosts what is claimed to be the country‘s largest skatepark. As such, alleviating pressure on infrastructure might prove beneficial to citizens beyond those residing in the area.

The authorities are hopeful that other organizations, not only within the educational sector, will follow suit and will contribute to making the city more liveable and accessible.