With the overall transport strategy, the Canton of Zurich has defined for the first time since 2006 the long-term goals and development principles for the canton’s overall transport system. 

The majority of the goals in the earlier version have been achieved, according to a statement. For instance, a key goal was to ensure that public transport would account for at least half of traffic growth, excluding pedestrian or bicycle traffic. This target has even been exceeded: between 2007 and 2015, public transport accounted for 54 per cent of traffic growth.

The updated overall transport strategy includes focus areas through to 2030. One goal is to further introduce technological development and innovation to freight and passenger transport, part of which will involve preparing the road network for automated traffic in a timely manner. Other goals include increasing the efficiency of public transport, optimizing financial resources and monitoring residential density as specified in the cantonal master plan.

The framework conditions have changed considerably since 2006, and the canton anticipates a marked increase in population and workforce growth – 80 per cent of which should occur in urban areas. Mobility patterns of people and goods are also changing as a result of technical innovation.