Urban mobility for more and better opportunities

Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) is one of the most urbanized regions in the world, with 81% of its population residing in urban zones.1,a This trend is driven by the greater opportunities cities offer, such as employment, education, healthcare, and social activities. Moreover, the ability to access and provide these services depends on the capacity for people and goods to move within cities. In this regard, transportation is a key element in enabling citizens to access these benefits, both in terms of quantity and quality. However, in LAC, significant gaps exist in terms of access to and quality of urban mobility, compounded by various negative externalities such as traffic congestion, road accidents, and environmental pollution, the levels of which are considerable in the region. Ensuring access to quality of urban transport, while limiting its adverse impacts, is crucial to guaranteeing that Latin Americans and Caribbeans can safely, equitably, and sustainably access the opportunities cities offer. Through these actions, along with urban planning through appropriate regulations, countries in the region will contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set in the United Nations 2030 Agenda.