Stockholm
UMR Index
Score: 70.3%
Sustainable Mobility
Score: 68.0%
Public Transit
Score: 72.5%
| Population | 1.9 million |
| Surface area (km2) | 847 |
| Population-density (people/km2) | 2,256 |
| GDP per capita ($) | 85,785 |
What Stockholm Does Well in Urban Mobility
Claiming the fifth-place ranking in both the sustainability and public transit sub-indices, Stockholm is a global leader in public transit investment, with a focus on affordable fares, reduced walking distance to stations, and shorter travel times. The city reportedly plans to nearly double its mass transit network capacity to serve a booming population. Stockholm began electrifying its bus fleet in June 2022.
The Swedish government has historically offered subsidies for low-emission vehicles but ended that offering in November 2022. There is continued investment, however, in developing more charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs). The combined efforts have accelerated Sweden's EV market share growth to become one of the leading European cities. By the end of 2022, Stockholm aimed to build at least 4,000 public charging points and has pledged support for tenant-owner associations to install charging equipment.
Urban Mobility Readiness Index, Sustainable Mobility and Public Transit scores
Challenges and Opportunities for Stockholm’s Transportation System
Stockholm lags behind many of its European peers in active mobility modal share, with relatively fewer residents walking and cycling around the city. However, with strong public transit ridership, the city estimates between 75-80% of commutes are taken by public transit, cycle or foot – demonstrating a limited reliance on cars for travel.
Stockholm’s Arlanda Airport is not considered to be a major European hub, with relatively low passenger volumes and international connections. However, several airlines have expanded international connections from Arlanda in the last year.
Dimensions of the Urban Mobility Readiness Index score
How Stockholm Can Improve Its Public Transportation and Sustainable Mobility
Stockholm can encourage cycling throughout the city by expanding the existing low-emission zones and implementing more car-free zones for pedestrians and cyclists. Reports that the city will ban diesel and petrol-fueled cars from the city center in 2025 will help advance those efforts, and the city’s 2050 plan considers more congestion tax zones in city suburbs. The city should also consider supporting bikesharing services and implementing a car buy-back or trade in program where residents can trade or sell their used cars for subsidies for bicycles or e-bikes. Increased accessibility to bicycles, regulation of car usage, and fewer cars on the road will help encourage cycling adoption.
Stockholm has yet to implement fully automated trains in the city's metro system. Automated trains increase efficiency and speed of metro services, as well as permit longer operating hours and higher ridership levels. If the city were to introduce automated trains to one of its main lines, it would have considerable impact on the efficiency of the city's metro system.