Circular public transport | Karlstad University

Circular economy has become increasingly important in achieving global environmental goals—both in general and within the field of public transport. This project focuses on how Sweden’s public transport system can become more circular. In recent years, the costs associated with public transport have risen significantly, largely due to a lack of circularity in public procurement processes.

The aim is to identify areas within procurement where measures to promote circular public transport can deliver the greatest benefits and, in turn, have the strongest impact on efforts to achieve a sustainable and resource-efficient transport system. This could involve aspects such as age requirements for buses, battery lifespan, the development of new policies, and the introduction of innovative business models.

The project also seeks to evaluate suitable models for calculating costs in selected areas, in order to demonstrate the potential of implementing circularity and taking a step closer to meeting the global goals. The project is being carried out in close collaboration with the industry, through project partners and an active steering group.