Trafiknära

Trafiknära is a Swedish term used in urban planning and real estate to describe locations with close proximity to transport services, enabling easy access to public transportation such as buses, trains, trams, or metro. The concept emphasizes reducing car dependency and improving accessibility for residents and workers.

In planning documents, zoning decisions and housing developments, trafiksnära areas are often prioritized for density and mixed-use development as part of transit-oriented development. Municipalities may specify criteria such as being within a short walking distance to a transit stop and having access to services with a minimum frequency, though exact definitions vary between municipalities.

Benefits of trafiksnära locations include shorter and more predictable journeys, reduced traffic and emissions, better accessibility for non-drivers, and increased resilience and vitality in neighborhoods. It supports climate and mobility goals and can help create walkable, livable communities.

Limitations and considerations include the quality of transit service, pedestrian infrastructure, safety, and the availability of reliable, frequent routes. Proximity alone does not guarantee a positive outcome if last-mile connections are weak, noise or crowding is an issue, or if there is insufficient surrounding amenities.

Relation to related concepts: trafiksnära is closely linked to transit-oriented development, urban accessibility, and sustainable mobility. In practice, Swedish municipalities publish guidance and maps showing trafiksnära areas to inform planning and housing policies.