Albin - the traffic planner creating the streets of the future and sustainable travel habits

From development planning to traffic solutions in Södertälje

After completing his master’s degree in Strategic Urban and Regional Planning, Albin worked with development planning in Huddinge Municipality. Now, in his new role as traffic planner in Södertälje, he has shifted focus to an even more practical application of urban and regional planning:

“I work with traffic planning, which means planning streets and traffic by taking into account perspectives such as accessibility and safety. This may involve, for example, transforming a street space to improve it for the people using it.”

A working day filled with variety and a holistic perspective

In a typical working day, Albin works both on current projects and long-term traffic strategies. His work ranges from designing traffic solutions for ongoing development projects to planning for future needs. An important part of his role is also to work with issues that can influence people’s travel habits:

“I work in projects that are taking place here and now, as well as with long-term and strategic development. My job also includes behaviour influencing, i.e. issues relating to how to influence people and make it easier for them to make sustainable travel choices.”

Important societal issues and environmental consideration

Albin enjoys working with issues that have a significant impact on the quality of life of both society and people. Urban and regional planning and traffic solutions often require different interests to be weighed against each other, making the work multi-faceted and stimulating:

“The best thing about my job is the variety. I get to work with many issues from different perspectives. At the same time, I think the best thing about working with community planning is that I can influence development. How we plan our society is so important – both from a social and an environmental aspect.”

The challenge of balancing different interests

Urban and regional planning often involves balancing different and sometimes competing interests. In traffic planning, where issues of accessibility, safety and sustainability must interact, being able to navigate between different perspectives is a must:

“As there are many interests to take into account in urban and regional planning, this also means that you need to weigh different perspectives against each other. This is stimulating but can also be challenging.”

From trainee to urban and regional planner – the road to working life

Albin started his career by applying for a trainee position in Huddinge Municipality ahead of his final year on the master’s programme. This led to a year working with development planning in the municipality before he recently started working in Södertälje:

“I applied for and got a trainee position with Huddinge Municipality for the final year of my master’s programme. I worked there in parallel with my studies during my last year at university. After graduating, I worked with development planning at Huddinge Municipality before I recently started at Södertälje Municipality as a traffic planner.”

Advice to future urban and regional planners

Albin recommends that you dare to try different areas, as urban and regional planning is a broad field with many possible specialisations and professional roles. He also stresses the importance of gaining practical experience during your studies:

“Try it and see for yourselves, it’s a great programme. If it’s not right for you, you can always switch, but if you stay on there are many opportunities. I also recommend continuing to the master’s programme, especially if you want to get a European and more strategic perspective on planning.”

With a strong commitment to traffic planning and sustainable urban development solutions, Albin Reinhardt continues to influence the future structure of society. Through his work in Södertälje Municipality, he is an important part of the process of creating safe, sustainable and welcoming traffic environments for both present and future residents.