transportsammanhang

Transportsammanhang is a Swedish term used to describe the broader context in which transport systems operate. It refers to the combination of physical infrastructure, policy frameworks, land-use patterns, and social and economic dynamics that shape mobility, accessibility, and transport outcomes.

It comprises several interrelated layers: the transport network (roads, railways, ports, airports) and its capacity; governance structures (regulation, funding, planning authorities); land use and urban form; travel demand and user behavior; environmental and public health considerations; and technical developments such as vehicle technology, digital mobility services, and data systems. The concept emphasizes that transport is not an isolated system but embedded in everyday life and territorial development.

In planning and analysis, transportsammanhang is used to assess how transportation arrangements enable or constrain economic activity, social inclusion, and environmental objectives. Key questions include how housing, employment, and service locations influence travel patterns; how investments in infrastructure and public transport affect accessibility and equity; and how climate and health goals shape policy choices.

Common methodological approaches include transport geography, traffic and demand modelling, geographic information systems, scenario analysis, and multi-criteria evaluation. Applications span urban and regional planning, freight logistics, climate adaptation, and resilience planning.

Example: a transportsammanhang-oriented analysis might examine how new transit lines, mixed-use development, and pricing measures interact to reduce car dependence and emissions while maintaining access for residents of different incomes.

Related concepts include transport system, mobility, accessibility, sustainability, and urban planning.