TRANSPORT STRATEGY TO IMPROVE ACCESSIBILITY IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

In developing countries disabled people and the elderly are more likely to be among the
poor. Moreover, exclusion increases the costs associated with disability to constrain
disabled people from breaking out of poverty. Improved access and mobility are
important factors in reducing poverty and can facilitate the participation of people with
disabilities in economic, social and political processes. Many countries have legislation
requiring that these challenges be addressed but effective responses are generally very
limited. Action to improve the situation is constrained by the serious shortage of data on
the access and mobility needs of disabled and elderly people as well as by resource
constraints.
This paper outlines guidance for addressing the access and mobility needs of disabled and
elderly people in the context of the World Bank’s mission to reduce poverty and discusses
the main challenges for providing inclusive transport. It draws attention to opportunities
to learn from transport interventions and to current research. The paper describes the
main activities being fostered by the Transport Sector in the World Bank. These aim to
raise awareness of proven good practice in setting policies and strategies. We also
contribute to a community of practice which draws on current and new experience to
improve planning, design and implementation for inclusive transport in developing
countries.