Long-run trends in usage, service levels, and governance of public transport in Sweden

An efficient public transport system providing good service to the public is a key element of sustainable development. The aim of this paper is to describe and explain the long-run development of public transport supply variables in Sweden. The analysis uses data on the supply of vehicle kilometres and fare levels, as well as on the development of the cost of providing services. This is seen in light of structural changes, with regression analysis being used to explain the development of the aforementioned variables and important policy changes. The analysis utilises yearly data from Swedish counties from 1986 to 2022, totalling 756 observations. The findings show a cost increase associated with the policy changes made in 1995 (related to Sweden becoming a member of the EU) and a cost decrease associated with changes made in 2012 (related to a new public transport act). The supply of vehicle kilometres has been positively affected by changes introduced in 1995. Fare levels were reduced due to changes introduced in 1989, when public transport authorities were given the opportunity to use competitive tendering. To our knowledge, this is the first longer comprehensive study to have considered more recent reforms and service changes in the Swedish public transport sector.