Transportation is a fundamental, yet often overlooked, element in poverty alleviation efforts. Access to reliable means of transportation impacts quality of life, economic livelihoods, and social development. Inadequate mobility prevents people from being able to find or get to their jobs or the grocery store, to bring their children to childcare, or to accomplish other daily tasks.

Reducing poverty and making progress towards social and economic development requires a re-design and implementation of policies that acknowledge the impact of transportation on those in need. Economic livelihood programs need to incorporate transport policy that is focused on the poor, taking particular account of non-motorized transport like walking, rickshaws, and cycling. Policies should address the best ways to provide adequate and affordable access for the poor to get to work, particularly in rural and marginal urban areas, opportunities for generating employment through the transport sector, and the strategic use of transport to reduce regional disparities.

Previous: Road Safety

Next: Health

Why Transport Matters

• Air Pollution
• Climate Change
• Health
• Poverty Alleviation
• Road Safety
• Urbanization