An increasing interest in light rail mobility solutions has emerged in Europe. Spreading from one setting to the next, the travelling idea of light rail transit has reached the Danish setting(s) and is being adopted in three Danish cities. Thus, Aarhus, Odense and Copenhagen are in the process of implementing light rail transit schemes. While having a promising start, the light rail transit scheme of Aalborg was faced with a series of changes.
On this contextual basis, this research explores how storylines were constructed in order to represent the idea of a light rail transit scheme in Aalborg and how their enactment influenced the planning process. In the context of travelling ideas as put forward by Malcom Tait and Ole B. Jensen, the thesis focuses on the Aalborg light rail scheme. The research is conducted on the basis of a theoretical framework consisting of John Forester's conception of power, manifested through and adaptation of Merlijn van Hulst's and James A. Throgmorton's conceptions of storytelling. The operationalization of this framework is done through an adaptation of Dvora Yanow's steps in interpretive policy analysis.
The interpretive analysis consists of two parts: (1) the formal and informal processes are delineated and presented in a sequential manner, enabling the identification of the rationale behind the Aalborg light rail scheme, and (2) four core storylines surrounding the Aalborg light rail are identified. The storylines are analyzed through each of their particular narratives. Each storyline is explored through the specific mechanisms
of stories identified. The empirical evidence of this research consists of planning and policy documents, and six semi-structured, conversational interviews with central actors in the case.
The analysis identifies two perspectives adopted by proponents and opponents. The proponents consist mainly of public planners and social democrats, while the opponents consist principally of traffic engineers and liberal parties. These contrasting perspectives are reflected upon in order to understand the role of the planner.
The public planner is part of the proponents of the Aalborg light rail scheme and therefore legitimizes and rationalizes the scheme by putting forward supporting narratives. The perspective adopted by the public planner, should not only consist in technical analysis and the formulation of planning documents, but also in persuasive storytelling and the ability to adapt and anticipate changes in dynamic political environments.