Transportation impacts of office relocation. A case study from Oslo

Abstract

The increase in car use in urban areas is to a large extent influenced by changes in land use. Surburban, low-density housing and the suburbanization of employment are therefore important factors behind changes in transportation demand. Integration of housing and job opportunities both in central parts of the city and in satellite-type developments which are well served by public transport is often considered to be a prerequisite if commuting by car is to be reduced. A case study from Oslo, Norway shows a significant change in travel behaviour when a firm moves out from the CBD. Interviews with employees before and after the relocation show that car use increased (from 25% to 41%) while the use of public transport was reduced from 61% in the inner-city location to 46% in the suburban location despite the new location being well served by public transport. However, the percentage of public transit users having to make one or more transfers on the journey to work increased from 8% to 28% and their average travel time increased by 7 minutes. Average travel time (all modes) remained unchanged. The employer's provision of ample free car parking in the new location has made the increased use of cars possible. © 1995 Elsevier Science Ltd.