Stockholm, Sweden
Connectivity as a mobility strategy
The City Commissioner for Traffic in Stockholm is responsible for issues regarding traffic in relation to the urban environment – in other words all the spaces between the buildings. Stockholm County Council is responsible, on the other hand, for public transport, whilst accessibility is the responsibility of the municipality. Implementing strategies related to infrastructure is problematic because there are strict rules for who and how to manage areas and infrastructure. Many of Stockholm’s infrastructure projects include a number of actors, which often result in a complicated working processes. As the links between various areas of politics, sectors and levels are many as regards transport issues, a high degree of consensus is required to gain support and long- sightedness. The advantage is that it creates a common will, but often leads to inefficiency.
Good practices & solutions
The accessibility strategy is an umbrella document for the city of Stockholm that shows how one can use traffic to promote other issues, such as democracy and social issues, if one adopts an integrated method of working. The main principles are to prioritise the mobility above the stationary, together with the means of transport carrying most people per vehicle.
The strategy includes four overall planning orientations for Stockholm metropolitan streets: create spaces for buses and cyclists; remove car parking from the streets and improvement for freight transport; reliable services and accessibility; better conditions for pedestrians; and better lighting, cleaning and snow removal of pavements.
Outcomes & opportunities
Since its adoption in 2009, various types of transport have been re-prioritised. The question that primarily needed to be taken into account was how the accessibility challenge should be addressed in a growing city with limited space.When considering planning strategies such as this one, it becomes clear that it is simple to agree on principles, but that details of implementation are more complex, and often turn into a matter of interpretation. Today the strategy has a holistic starting point; the next step will be to coordinate sector plans which, of course, may involve conflicting aims.
Lessons learned & recommendations
Success factors identified for Stockholm to develop connectivity as a mobility strategy includes collaborating between offices with similar areas of responsibility, finding political agreements, supporting initiatives and seeking a broad consensus.
Related SDG targets
9.1 Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all.
11.7 By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities.
Further reading
Project: Nordic Urban Ways
