Resource information
This paper starts with a brief
perspective on urban transport in developing countries,
followed by a detailed presentation of an overall framework
for making projects in this sector. Additional details on
cities and projects used as case studies are given in the
accompanying tables. The challenge for the Bank is to assist
client cities in providing transport infrastructure and
services that respond to demographic, spatial and economic
growth in ways that balance the many different competing
interests. Reflecting the importance that poverty and
environmental factors are given in its development lending,
the key strategic goal of the Bank is to protect and nurture
public transport services and non-motorized transport modes,
with underlying meta-objectives of equity and
sustainability. In the policy dimension, the following
approach features: (i) the equitable allocation of
existing/new street space to protect and nurture public
transport, and non-motorized modes; (ii) a for-the market
rather than in the market, on the street competitive model
for public transport, with services operated by the private
sector under strong public regulation, and oversight; (iii)
a financially viable public transport system, with
affordable fares commensurate with costs, and any necessary
subsidies targeted to those in need; (iii) appropriate user
charges for urban roads (parking and traffic); and (iv)
feedback from transport demand to resource mobilization from
within the sector. The investment dimension of the approach
is increasingly oriented towards the provision and
rehabilitation of public transport systems operating on
exclusive rights of way, both roadway and rail-based,
because of their potential for efficient, high-quality
services as well as for being a vehicle for progress on
several policy fronts. The final chapter illustrates a
variety of ways in which this framework is reflected in the
design of actual Bank-funded urban transport projects.
