EVALUATION OF DEMAND FOR INTERDEPENDENT INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS - THE CASE OF THE GÖTA ÄLV VALLEY

Abstract

Our thesis aimed to describe the demand for transportation between Göteborg and Trollhättan in such a way that it could be used for decision making. Furthermore, we aimed to draw parallels between Norge/Vänernbanan and Svealandsbanan. Finally, we wanted to decide if investments should be made in R45, in Norge/Vänernbanan, or in both. A survey among commuters in the area between Göteborg and Trollhättan was performed and company interviews with companies in the municipalities of Göteborg, Ale, Lilla Edet, and Trollhättan were conducted. Furthermore, we explained how scenario analysis can be applied within the field of transportation when determining how an increased capacity affects the demand for transportation and how the demand affects the payoff of infrastructure investments. From our survey and interviews, we can conclude that transfer effects may be realized if investments in R45 and in Norge/Vänernbanan are made. Companies in the area demand infrastructure investments because of recruiting and commuting problems. We suggest expanding R45 into four lanes with a railing in the middle and intersections below or above the road, to increase the bus frequency, and to investigate whether it is possible to increase the train frequency and/or investing in high-speed trains while keeping the current track capacity.