To create a sustainable and resource-efficient transport system, circular economy principles are crucial. By reusing and recycling resources, both environmental impact and costs within public transport can be reduced. A key aspect is extending vehicle lifespans, which is often restricted by age requirements in procurement processes. These requirements lead to the premature decommissioning of fully functioning buses, which has negative economic and environmental consequences.
The focus is on identifying areas within public transport where circular economy practices can provide the greatest benefits. By removing age requirements and introducing more flexible functional specifications in procurement, vehicles can be used longer and more efficiently. Research has been requested by the industry to understand how circular measures can impact both costs and environmental impact.
An important part of the work is to develop models to calculate the economic and environmental benefits of circular measures. By changing procurement processes and introducing standards for circular public transport, the industry can streamline its practices. This includes creating more flexible contract lengths tailored to the actual lifespan of buses.
Through close collaboration between stakeholders such as transport companies, public transport authorities, and industry organisations, the research can be implemented and spread. The goal is to reduce both costs and CO2 emissions through more resource-efficient systems, contributing to a more sustainable and efficient public transport network.
Project period
1 January 2025 to 31 December 2028
Collaborators
Östgötatrafiken
Trafikförvaltningen Region Stockholm
Västtrafik
Skånetrafiken
Svensk Kollektivtrafik
Sveriges Bussföretag
