Umeå train and bus station : A strategy for an enviromentaly friendly future

Abstract: Umeå is one of the few growing cities in the north of Sweden. Due to the cities geographical location its economy is in large part dependent on its connection to larger cities in Sweden such as Stockholm and Gothenburg. As a result of this dependency fast traveling options are a must for Umeå to continue growing. Today aviation is the only traveling option available which provides the speed needed for travel between Umeå and larger economies in the south.This paper analyses how the process of centralization has caused this large dependency on the economies of Sweden’s larger cities. The conclusion drawn from this analysis is that for Umeå and the northern reaches of Sweden to become less aviation dependent the region needs to become more independent. A stronger northern economy would lessen the need for traveling to for example Stockholm.The purpose of the study is to pinpoint some measures which would lead Umeå and its surrounding areas towards this independency. To this end several measures of change are explored from new laws and regulations promoting the countryside to investments in internet connection, public service and infrastructure. These strategies need be looked into and implemented simultaneously for Umeå and the north to have a more independent and environmentally friendly future.The research continues by focusing on of these parameters more specifically train and bus infrastructure. The study concludes that there are many investments that could be made in order to strengthen both passenger and freight infrastructure in the north of Sweden. These investments include restoring the inland train line and extending the bus network to include a larger part of the countryside. For this to be possible several changes need to be made including building a new train and bus station in Umeå to support the increase in passengers and traffic. Such a station would act as a hub for the passenger traffic of Norrland as well as become a new public space for the city of Umeå.