Accessibility design in theory and in practice. Potential for sustainable mobility in Swedish metropolitan areas.

Purpose and goal

This project aimed to understand the key aspects of the Swedish concept tillgänglighetsdesign, or accessibility design. It explores how the concept, or similar concepts, are used in the development and planning of new public transport modes in two Swedish metropolitan areas: self-driving shuttle buses in Kista and an urban cable railway in Gothenburg. This material is then used to discuss if, and how, the concept could contribute to social and ecologically sustainable urban development with a focus on urban transport systems.

Expected results and effects

This explorative project suggests that the Swedish concept tillgänglighetsdesign (accessibility design) is an imprecise concept, difficult to apply in practice. The ambitions identified in concept are already captured in other existing concepts, most notably that of Universal Design, and in other related terms used in various policy goals and guidelines. Overall, our material indicates minimal potential in further developing the concept in the area of Swedish urban transportation.

Planned approach and implementation

The study was carried out using a qualitative methodological approach and is empirically based upon national policy documents and local and regional planning documents relevant for the two case studies. Semi-structured interviews were also carried out with both professionals working in public authorities and planners at regional public transport authorities.