Kollektivtrafik i form av nätverk : En tillämpning av komplex nätverksteori inom Dalarnas kollektivtrafik

In light of declining population figures and increasingly sparsely populated rural areas, the potential consumer base for public transport is expected to decrease in many municipalities across Sweden. In order to continue promoting sustainable public travel, planners therefore require tools and strategies to optimize public transit and maintain adequate coverage and service levels for as many users as possible. This study aims to evaluate the potential of complex network theory as an analytical and planning tool through a literature review and an empirical assessment in which the public transport networks of three Swedish municipalities are analyzed. The results of the network analysis indicate that municipalities Borlänge and Vansbro exhibit comparable characteristics, although with slightly more favorable indicators for Borlänge. In contrast, Avesta represents an outlier with significantly less efficiently optimized network characteristics. Moreover, the results of the study showcase how network theory can be used to illustrate the structure of a complex network and analyze its properties through a set of indicators. However, its practical utility as a tool for directly optimizing public transport networks is limited. Instead, network theory may serve as a complementary tool, particularly in conjunction with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and may also give insight into theoretical design of optimal and efficient public transit networks.