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.

This article examines the theoretical framework for accessibility, social exclusion and provision of public transport. The socio-economic and urban characteristics of Latin American cities require the creation of specific indices to determine social needs for public transport. In the article an index of social transport needs is drawn up. It can be used to highlight a problem which is severely affecting wide groups in Latin America who suffer social exclusion aggravated by a deficient provision of public transport, and that the planning of public transport systems must take into account mechanisms which include social needs in the decision making process.

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.

Monograph on urban development and urban area growth rate in Latin America - covers geographical aspects and historical development of latin American towns, the distribution of urban population and population growth, the role of rural migration, urban transport problems, etc. Bibliography pp. 283 to 306, graphs, illustrations, maps, references and statistical tables.