Urban Transportation for the Third World

This paper describes how metropolitan planning and management is a field of substantial strength in many countries of the developing world. In developing countries, budgets are forthcoming, facilities are built and operated and public transport services are performed. At the same time, choice of technology, design of systems and operations are often accomplished without a comprehensive view or the effectiveness that would be possible if the field were broader, more integrated and more methodologically sound. The field needs to broaden and to clarify its methodological commitment which will require breaking the bounds of classical professionalism. This paper poses the choices of professional style, and the choices of skills they entail. The paper describes how transportation system planning needs to be combined with other urban development activities especially with land development. More adequate analysis and processes must produce a better relationship with the environment and induce positive change. In brief, what is undertaken now largely as project development should evolve into urban transport policy.