Transport in Asia and the Pacific: Your Questions Answered
James Leather, Chief of ADB's Transport Sector Group, discusses the transport challenges in developing Asia and how ADB is helping through financing and knowledge sharing.
Contents
How would you sum up developing Asia’s transport challenge in a couple of sentences?
Transport systems across the region need large investment in both new systems and upgrading existing systems to meet the increasing demand for travel and movement of goods. Transport is an enabler of development and plays a pivotal role in inclusive and sustainable development.
How is the transition to green transport going? Any success stories that could be readily replicated elsewhere in the region?
The transport sector will decarbonize over time. Asia leads the world in numbers of electric vehicles, dominated by fleets of 2- and 3-wheelers as well as urban buses.
What are the three most cost-effective ways of reducing vehicle pollution in urban areas?
Promotion of zero emission transport such as walking and cycling is the most cost-effective solution, followed by promotion of clean public transport systems such as buses and metro rail. Cities across the region should promote non-motorized and public transport systems to improve air quality and reduce CO2 emissions.
Is the region on track to meet its transport-related Sustainable Development Goals?
No. Many across the region have poor access to public transport, with only 34% of the regional urban population having ready access. This compares with 50% globally. The reality is that 630 million in rural areas live more than 2km from an all-season road. Road fatality rates in Asia and the Pacific are the highest in the world.
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Developing Asia needs $1.7 billion a year for infrastructure if the region is to maintain growth and tackle climate change. More than 30% of that needs to be in transport.
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Seamless regional transport network are enormously important drivers of economic growth, and employment.
How does ADB include climate adaption in its transport operations and projects?
ADB assistance incorporates design standards to adapt and climate proof transport systems. Future weather conditions, higher rainfall, flooding, melting of the permafrost, and storm surges are all considered in infrastructure design.
The financing needs for transport are enormous, PPPs are sometimes appropriate, but what other creative ways does ADB deploy to boost financing for the sector?
In addition to government and private financial streams, the principles of users paying is a way to generate the necessary revenues.
How important is knowledge sharing, given the transport context and challenges are broadly similar in many ADB developing member countries?
Capacity development is one of the key requirements for improvement and operational efficiencies in transport systems. Examples are directly relevant in many cases and while local conditions must be factored in, much can be learnt through knowledge sharing.
Has ADB made headway in India in improving road safety and improving facilities for pedestrians and public transport users?
ADB is supporting the Government of India to improve road safety and reduce the number of fatalities and serious injuries. ADB assistance on road safety in India covers infrastructure as well as capacity development, improved data collection and analysis, emergency response, and post-crash care.
