Inter-American Development Bank: Mobility for whom? Leveraging Transport for Socially Inclusive Development
June 21, 2023 The discussion highlights the critical role of mobility in facilitating access to essential services and opportunities for all individuals, emphasizing the disparities faced by disadvantaged groups such as people with disabilities, children, and women. These groups often encounter significant barriers to accessing transport systems, leading to increased poverty and limited mobility. The article points out the need for universally accessible public transportation to address these challenges and enable equitable access to opportunities. It further examines the specific mobility needs and challenges faced by children and women, noting how unsafe or inadequate transport infrastructure can negatively impact children’s health and education, as well as women’s participation in the labor market due to gender-specific travel patterns and responsibilities. The article advocates for the adoption of inclusive transport policies and infrastructure improvements that cater to the needs of all users, including measures to enhance safety, reduce gender-based violence in transport, and ensure affordability. Regional efforts in Latin America and the Caribbean to improve transport accessibility and inclusivity are mentioned, including the development of methodologies to assess transportation accessibility and the implementation of targeted programs and policies. However, the article underscores the ongoing need for comprehensive strategies that integrate gender perspectives, improve data collection, and address affordability and safety to foster socially inclusive development through enhanced mobility and access.