Reurbanisation and its potential for the reduction of car use. An analysis of preferences of residence, activity – and travel pattern in the Oslo area

The generation of traffic as a consequence of the localisation of different services and functions in urban areas is an important factor in local land use and transport planning. In relation to planning for less road traffic without a reduction in the possibilities on different welfare arenas for the population, differences in preferences of residence, activity and travel patterns were studied in the Oslo metropolitan area. The methods used are focus group interviews, and postal questionnaire, sent to a random sample in a central area, a suburban area and a railway town. The net sample consists of 1900 persons. The type of area, with different access to various services, cultural institutions, employment and public transport, has an impact on which welfare arenas the population attend, where the activities are performed and the use of transport mode. In relation to the inhabitants opinions of qualities of the “good” or ideal city, planning ideals are discussed.