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Transport and the IDB
Vast territories and extremely varied geography make transportation a critical factor for development in Latin America and the Caribbean. To meet its full potential, in the coming decade the region will need to invest tens of billions of dollars in urban bus and subway systems, rural roads and highways, airports, railways and shipping ports.
The IDB works with national and sub-national governments to design and finance transportation programs for passengers and freight. Our projects place a special emphasis on sustainable transport alternatives in both urban transport and freight logistics, on improving efficiency and reducing climate change impact, and on promoting improved road safety and reduce mortality and injury rates.
The Bank also provides technical assistance and policy advice to its member governments on regulation, management, planning, institutional strengthening and regional integration in the transport sector.
Areas of Action
Freight Logistics
Freight transport and logistics performance is critical to the competitiveness of countries’ businesses and the national economy on a global scale. With a few exceptions, Latin American and Caribbean countries experience proportionally higher logistics costs than the United States, Europe and Asia. Poor transportation networks, supply chain inefficiencies and lack of specialized logistic infrastructure and services also contribute to high inventory levels.
Road Safety
Latin America and the Caribbean countries record approximately 17 roadway fatalities per 100,000 inhabitants each year, compared to an average of less than 10 fatalities for high-income countries. If current trends continue, by 2020 Latin America and the Caribbean will have the world’s highest roadway fatality rate, at about 24 fatalities per 100,000 inhabitants.
Sustainable Transport
The transport sector is of key importance for the socio-economic development of the Latin American and Caribbean Region (LAC). Governments are striving to bridge the gap between transportation demand and supply to facilitate access to health care, education, jobs and markets to all economic and social groups, with a wide geographic coverage, in a safe, environmentally friendly and affordable way.
News
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NFL Players, Mandelas to Promote Road Safety
NFL stars will ditch their shoulder pads to don soccer cleats for a match in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, in an international road safety campaign. May 3, 2013
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IDB holds public consultation on its “Infrastructure Strategy for Competitiveness”
Strategy of the IDB seeks to introduce a new concept of infrastructure and to promote services that advance sustainable and inclusive growth. May 2, 2013
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Ready for Take-off in Costa Rica
IDB supports restructuring and expansion of Costa Rica’s biggest international airport. Apr 16, 2013
IDB Transport in the press
Decade dedicated to reducing vulnerability of road users and transport
Source: Media Global News
It’s a paradox. Rapid urbanization in the developing world has led to explosive growth in vehicular traffic on dangerously constricted infrastructure; experts say the result hinders the growth of cities, and nations as a whole.
May 17, 2013.
The IDB advises Paraguay to integrate trade, border management and infrastructure
Source: ABC Color (Paraguay)
Logistics requires the operational integration of infrastructure, border management and business organization of supply chains, said Christian Dunkerley, Transport specialist at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)
Nov 23, 2012.
Projects Highlights
Preparation
- Argentina. "Belgrano Sur" Railroad Recovery Program - Stage 1.
- Brazil. PROCIDADES - Londrina.
- Argentina. Metropolitan Railroads Recovery Program.
Approved
- Paraguay. Integration Corridors, Road Rehabilitacion and Maintenance Phase II. May 15, 2013
- Ecuador. Support for Chimborazo Rural Development Investment Program. Feb 14, 2013
- Ecuador. Support for Chimborazo Rural Development Investment Program. Feb 14, 2013
- A Canal for the World (05:00)
LoadingA Canal for the World
Spotlight
Events
The ‘Road Safety tag’ is intended to become the road safety equivalent of the red ribbon for HIV/AIDS awareness or the white wristband worn in the fight against poverty.
By the numbers
23%
of global CO2 emissions come from transport. More>>
