Source: European Commission

The City of Stockholm has released its Climate Action Plan 2030, detailing measures to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, lower carbon emissions, and support climate equity. One of the central components of the plan is the transition toward sustainable, fossil-free urban transportation.

The plan envisions a transport system in which public transit, walking, and cycling are the primary modes of travel. It sets a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transport by 80% by 2030 compared to 2010 levels, with the additional aim of making the inner city entirely emission-free.

Achieving these goals involves both infrastructure development and changes in travel behavior. The city aims to reduce car traffic by 30% compared to 2017 levels through more efficient land use that prioritises pedestrians and public spaces. To facilitate this shift, Stockholm is investing in improvements to public transportation, pedestrian networks, and cycling infrastructure.

Electrification plays a key role in the city’s strategy. By 2030, up to 80% of passenger vehicles are expected to be electric, with similar progress anticipated for freight transport. To support this, the city is introducing measures such as the Class 3 Clean Air Zone and expanding the electric vehicle charging network. Additionally, the plan includes transitioning freight movement from road to waterways, electrifying local maritime transport, and providing shore power for docked vessels, along with encouraging the use of renewable fuels in commuter and leisure boats.

The municipality is also updating procurement practices to support the use of fossil-free vehicles and equipment in its own operations. It is testing new technologies for traffic management and data-driven mobility solutions as part of its efforts to modernize the transport system.

Through these initiatives, Stockholm aims to demonstrate how urban areas can implement cleaner, more sustainable, and accessible transportation systems.