Reducing Automobile Dependency in Växjö Sweden : The Application of Smart Growth Planning Principles

Abstract: The City of Växjö has committed to reduce C02 emissions by working towards being a fossil fuel free city. The greatest challenge to this goal is increasing C02 emissions from the transportation sector, creating the need to reduce citizens’ use of private automobile. This thesis research attempts to address the question of how the design of a community development when integrated with transportation demand management strategies (TDMS) based on Smart Growth planning principles (later defined in theoretical perspectives section) can influence citizens to drive less and choose alternate forms of transportation such as public transit, cycling or walking, thereby reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and carbon dioxide (C02) emissions. The research results and recommendations for Växjö are an integration of TDMS that focus on prioritizing pedestrianism, cycling, and public transit over automobile usage through five Smart Growth land-use planning principles. By planning for a reduction in automobile dependence and addressing the root cause of the majority of transportation based C02 emissions, Jonsboda has the potential to become a model community in its efforts to promote the concept and implementation of sustainable transportation.