Insights and paradigm change for transport planning in Sarajevo

Workstream 2 of the Urban Transformation Project Sarajevo, supported by the SECO, aims to challenge current transport planning and propose a more sustainable approach. Together wird Urbaplan, Helvetas, Enova, ETHZ, Swiss AI and the UNSA, Transitec accompanied Sarajevo from 2021-2025 in the modernization of the Cantonal Urban Plan.

Currently the car is predominant in public space and more sustainable modes of transport are not attractive and safe. However, also promising levers were identified: the part of internal traffic is high, and some roads offer reconversion opportunities with their important width.

Sarajevo needs to no longer meet demand by expanding road capacity but get out of the vicious cycle and manage demand. Key concepts to implement thereto are:

• Short distances city
• Transport-oriented development
• multifunctional streetscapes
• Prioritization of different modes.

Specifically, Sarajevo should aim to AVOID trips within districts by strengthening their central functionalities and attractivity and SHIFT trips between districts to public transport and cycling. Every mode of transport has its place for certain distances and purposes—but the car should no longer simply be the default option.