Transport in Development

The delivery of transport policies and plans in low-income countries to meet the Sustainable Development Goals and wider national and global development objectives faces many challenges, including: 

• Limited human capacity 

• Weak institutions, legal and regulatory frameworks and enforcement 

• Limited data 

• High-profile informal economy and weak formal markets 

• Significant involvement of development banks 

This course uses knowledge and research produced in and relevant to low-income countries to answer key development questions including: 

• How can transport planning reduce the number of women dying in childbirth in Africa? 

• How can mobility be improved in developing cities without contributing to Climate Change and how can transport networks across the Global South adapt to the extreme weather events and rising sea levels arising from Climate Change? 

• How can transport investments tackle poverty in the global South? 

• How can we deliver the UN’s goal 11 of Sustainable Mobility for All? 

• Where is the finance going to come from to support greater investment in transport infrastructure? 

• How can Private Sector Finance be involved in Public Private Partnerships?  

• What is the influence of South-South cooperation? 

• How can railways, aviation and ports be improved to make a greater contribution to economic development? 

The primary aim of the course is to enable transport professionals to appreciate transport sector issues in low-income countries from the global North and assess the applicability of different policies and analytical techniques in the institutional, economic and cultural contexts of low-income countries. 

The course will consider:  

• economic, financial, institutional and demographic characteristics of developing countries and their significance for transport sector policies.  

• National and Global development policy in low income countries, especially the role of Sustainable Development Goals and Global Climate Agreements, in determining transport policy.  

• skills necessary for increased private sector financing, partnerships with Development Banks and the reforming of Transport sector regulations  

• and will cover a wide range of topics covered including road infrastructure investment, rural road policy and investment, road maintenance planning, infrastructure finance including the contribution of the private sector; the roles of mass-transit, the informal sector and non-motorised modes. 

Designed for people in the industry, this short course will develop up-to-date skills and knowledge for all transport professionals. Courses are taught by active research staff and teachers, with external experts contributing, and are normally held at the Institute for Transport Studies. Alternate arrangements can be made to bring a course closer to you.  All courses can be tailor-made to your company’s particular needs. Please get in touch to discuss bespoke course options.