Models for coordination for sustainable public transport solutions

Important results from the project

The aim of the project was to deepen the insights on collaboration as a key dimension of the planning and development of public transport. Empirically, the project has focused on Swedish metropolitan areas, complemented by a limited international outlook. The project has led to an improved understanding of the critical role of collaboration in public transport planning, based on concrete empirical examples and from the perspective of different actors. The project also presents challenges with collaborative approaches and difficulties that may arise.

Expected long term effects

The project has led to new insights on collaboration as a specific mode of governance, and not just a complement to more hierarchical or market-oriented forms. For example, collaboration is an important way of working when regional public transport authorities seek to ensure the feasibility of long-term plans and objectives. Furthermore, the project has initiated mutual learning processes between researchers and practitioners and contributed to the development of this knowledge area in Swedish public transport research and enhanced the links to international research.

Approach and implementation

The project was implemented using a qualitatively oriented method approach, with emphasis on in-depth insights based on concrete examples from public transport planning. The results are mainly based on semi-structured interviews with officials and planners working with regional public transport, national transport planning, municipal traffic and land use development, as well as transport companies, property owners and others. Altogether, the work was carried out in close cooperation between researchers and officials from Swedens three largest urban transport authorities.