A participatory approach to urban transport planning in developing countries

Traditionally transport planning and policymaking has used quantitative surveys to predict future demand for public transport. However, this paper argues that a more participatory approach is required in order to better understand household activity patterns and the impacts and implications of travel on livelihoods. Such an understanding will enable transport planning and policy to support the needs of lowincome people and achieve broader poverty alleviation objectives. This paper draws on case studies undertaken in Harare (Zimbabwe), Accra (Ghana) and Colombo (Sri-Lanka) as part of a broader study carried out for the DFID Knowledge and Research Programme. The authors look at the impact of public transport on certain dimensions of poverty, consider the links between urban transport and other sectors (health, education and employment) and summarise key methods of enquiry that might be adopted in effecting a more participatory approach to transport planning.