Urban Transport Policies In Latin America And The Caribbean

Policy innovations are needed to break the vicious cycle in urban transport in LAC. The ultimate objective should be reliable, efficient, high-quality, and sustainable urban transport. The study describes urban transport policies implemented in the region, highlighting tangible impacts whenever possible, and opportunities to improve urban transport policy. A two-pronged approach is suggested, based on (i) service-oriented policies in addition to the more common asset-oriented policies; and (ii) integrated policies that address public and private transport simultaneously, incorporating dimensions such as congestion pricing and land-use management.

Most cities of the Latin America and the Caribbean region face similar problems, including low quality public transport supply, lack of planning, congestion, and both atmospheric and noise pollution. As a response to these growing concerns, many governments are implementing actions aimed at encouraging the use of more sustainable transport modes and reducing transport dependence on the private car. Despite the advances gained through the implementation of these and other policies in LAC, there is still a long way to go, especially in the promotion of seamless transport systems at the city level, the achievement of financial sustainability, as well as the improvement of urban air quality. This study identifies a number of best practices for overcoming or working around these challenges.

This volume of Transport and Sustainability focuses on how spatial and social mobilities are intertwined in the reproduction of spatial and social inequities in Latin American cities.

August 1996 Four pillars for sound development and long-term sustainability of the urban transport sector in large metropolitan areas. Before financing major urban transport projects, decisionmakers should attempt to put in place the basic elements for long-term sustainability of the sector. Specifically, contends Rebelo, each large metropolitan area in Brazil should incorporate into its urban transport strategy, and pursue vigorously, the following four-point agenda: * Create a regional transport coordination commission in charge of coordinating policies among federal, state, and municipal governments, giving highest priority to major urban transport investments in the metropolitan region and promoting modal integration -- all to the end of improving the sector's economic efficiency and long-term sustainability. * Adopt an integrated land use, urban transport, and air quality strategy that provides a framework in which the community and decisionmakers can evaluate future urban transport investments and policies. * Enact into law formal financing mechanisms that would ensure that long-run variable costs of urban transport systems are covered by operating and non-operating revenues from the systems and by appropriate user charges. * Promote private sector participation in the operation, maintenance, and construction of urban transport systems--through concessions or management contracts--as a way to lessen the financial burden on the government. This paper -- a product of the Infrastructure and Urban Development Division, Latin America and the Caribbean, Country Department I -- is part of a larger effort in the department to assist Brazilian metropolitan regions in improving the level of service and financial sustainability of their urban transport systems.

The agrifood transport sector in Latin America and the Caribbean is a key component of the food supply chain, making a significant contribution to gross domestic product in these countries. Well-developed, efficient food transport systems are crucial to the survival of thousands of people, and pivotal to the success or failure of key economic sectors such as agriculture and other major national and international commercial activities. This publication presents a detailed study of problems encountered, covering seventeen countries. The study focuses primarily on stumbling-blocks faced by small farmers, and suggests possible policy and programme interventions to improve the situation in the neediest areas, with repercussions for the population as a whole. (Also published in Spanish)

Four pillars for sound development and long-term sustainability of the urban transport sector in large metropolitan areas.Before financing major urban transport projects, decisionmakers should attempt to put in place the basic elements for long-term sustainability of the sector. Specifically, contends Rebelo, each large metropolitan area in Brazil should incorporate into its urban transport strategy, and pursue vigorously, the following four-point agenda:Create a regional transport coordination commission in charge of coordinating policies among federal, state, and municipal governments, giving highest priority to major urban transport investments in the metropolitan region and promoting modal integration - all to the end of improving the sector's economic efficiency and long-term sustainability.Adopt an integrated land use, urban transport, and air quality strategy that provides a framework in which the community and decisionmakers can evaluate future urban transport investments and policies.Enact into law formal financing mechanisms that would ensure that long-run variable costs of urban transport systems are covered by operating and non-operating revenues from the systems and by appropriate user charges. Promote private sector participation in the operation, maintenance, and construction of urban transport systems - through concessions or management contracts - as a way to lessen the financial burden on the government.This paper - a product of the Infrastructure and Urban Development Division, Latin America and the Caribbean, Country Department I - is part of a larger effort in the department to assist Brazilian metropolitan regions in improving the level of service and financial sustainability of their urban transport systems.