Intermodal Terminals Node-Place Issue and Travelers´ Flow : Case study: Gothenburg central station

Abstract: Intermodal terminals are complex entities; they are nodes in transport networks, and places in the city simultaneously; permanently or temporarily inhabited with compact and varied collection of uses and forms accumulated through time. The purpose of this thesis was to explore the complexities involved in the issue of smooth pedestrian flows within station areas. Gothenburg central station was selected as the empirical case study of this thesis, since it is a station area currently meeting big challenges in terms of smooth pedestrian flows. The thesis was carried out through a literature review for several topics relevant to the complexities of the pedestrian flows at intermodal terminals, such as the node-place dilemma, traveler’s characteristics, flows and the physical layout of stations, and an empirical analysis of the pedestrian flow in the station with specific focus on two bottlenecks within the main building. The empirical analysis was carried out by means of semi-structured interviews with representatives from some of the key institutions involved in the organization of the central station, together with field observations and video filming. The results of the thesis illustrate clearly the need for a more thorough reflection on what main function the railway station should fill today; and understand the node-place dilemma and its consequences for smooth pedestrian flow and accessibility for travelers moving in the station building. More specifically, the thesis recommends several services within the station building to be re-arranged so it guarantees a smoother flow for travelers now and in the future. In addition, it calls for special attention toward elderly and special needs travelers and the importance to address their status in the station within all stakeholders’ development schemes.