Abstract
The aim of this paper is to study how local governments in Sweden view the role of public transport in society, and to investigate how public transport is used in a strategic capacity. By studying general policy documents, the ambition is to gain a wider understanding of the role of public transport based on the societal context it is situated in. Documents from 15 regions and 27 municipalities have been analysed by a qualitative content analysis. Results show that public transport is regarded as an important factor towards achieving other goals and other public values, particularly those related to economic and environmental issues; and that the social dimension is not as prioritised. Rail-bound public transport is often advocated, as are collaboration between organizations and integrated land-use and transport planning. However, the studied documents showed large overall differences in how counties and municipalities address public transport issues. It should be a priority in Sweden’s main steering documents to treat public transport consistently and give it the same priority as other societal functions—not least because Sweden’s treatment of public transport is a reasonable reflection of its overall society and can influence prioritisations and considerations in counties and municipalities across the country.
Highlights
Strong forces at the local and regional government levels argue for the importance of good living conditions in terms of economic well-being and beneficial business conditions
This study provides a comprehensive view of the role of public transport in Sweden and the conditions required to create capacities to make sustainable public transport solutions a vital factor for local government development
Findings show that local government organizations view public transport positively in all cases and that they describe public transport as something that contributes to sustainability and to other public values
Summary
Strong forces at the local and regional government levels argue for the importance of good living conditions in terms of economic well-being and beneficial business conditions. Local and regional politicians are expected to ensure that people have a good life at home and at work, and one in which conditions continue to develop; that is, a life in which there is some kind of growth. Local and regional municipality growth is basically about developing welfare. The aim of economic development is to stimulate the development of society and create viable communities where people can live, work and have a good life. In Sweden, the public transport service should be an important factor towards increased welfare, not least because it is both subsidized and publicly controlled [2]. One of the most important welfare effects of a well-functioning public transport system is considered to be the creation of a fair and publicly accessible transport system [3]
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