transportbehovet

Transportbehovet is a concept in transport planning that denotes the overall need or demand for transport arising from people’s and businesses’ activities in a given area. It covers the necessity to move between homes, workplaces, schools, services, and leisure, as well as the movement of goods. The concept distinguishes between the need for transport and the actual supply of infrastructure and services, which can enable or constrain fulfillment of the need.

Determinants of transportbehovet include population size and distribution, employment patterns, housing density, land-use mix, income, and vehicle ownership. The geography of origins and destinations and the time of day also shape its magnitude and composition. Technological and social changes, such as digital work, online shopping, and new mobility services, can alter travel patterns and peak demand.

Measurement and modelling: Transportation demand is typically assessed with travel-demand modelling, including trip generation, mode choice, and destination choice, drawing on surveys, counts, and increasingly mobile data. Key indicators are total person-trips, distance traveled, modal share, and accessibility measures like travel time to jobs or services. Distinctions are made between transportbehovet and the capacity of the transport system.

Policy relevance: In planning, transportbehovet informs infrastructure investments, public transit strategies, and land-use policies. Interventions include expanding high-quality transit and cycling networks, promoting higher-density, mixed-use development, implementing demand-management and pricing tools, and ensuring accessibility for all population groups while reducing environmental impacts.

Trends and challenges: Climate goals, urban growth, and evolving work and shopping patterns influence transportbehovet. Balancing mobility with emissions and equity requires integrated approaches that combine land use, pricing, and multimodal options, while remaining adaptable to technological change.