Future mobility in the countryside
The transport sector contributes significantly to air pollution and requires suitable alternatives to help mitigate climate change. In the municipalities of Sjöbo, Svalöv and Tomelilla in Skåne, Sweden, Skånetrafiken is currently running a pilot project for on-demand public transport, called SkåneFlex. This study aims to examine the reasoning behind the design of SkåneFlex and to explore whether it can be regarded as a sustainable mobility solution suitable for rural areas. Specifically, the study explores three areas: (1) the reasoning behind the project’s design, (2) the various purposes and goals of the actors involved in the testing of SkåneFlex and (3) the extent to which it can be perceived as sustainable. To address these topics, a study was conducted, based on interviews with officials from the participating municipalities and Skånetrafiken. The interviews were analyzed using a thematic analysis, structured around the themes of background, aims and goals, and sustainability. The results indicate that although Skånetrafiken is responsible for the design, discussions were held with each municipality. The design is primarily shaped by cost considerations and a desire to complement existing public transport. A range of aims and goals were identified, most of which relate to learning from the pilot project format and from other factors within SkåneFlex. Furthermore, the aim and overall objective can be described as providing municipalities with enhanced access to public transport, thereby improving the level of service and giving residents greater freedom and independence in their everyday mobility. While SkåneFlex cannot yet be classified as a sustainable mobility solution due to the need for further evaluation, it shows potential and may develop into one. This study may assist municipal and regional officials in Sweden, seeking to explore the role of on-demand public transport in improving rural accessibility as part of a green transition.