Day 1 - Bus Rapid Transit: Lessons Learned and Learning

January 14, 2009, 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Location: The World Bank

In the past year, a number of new or expanded BRT systems and busways have gone into operation in different parts of the World, from Lagos in Nigeria to Jinan in China. Though all have been beneficial to some degree, some have been wildly successful while others have had planning, design, implementation and/or operations management challenges. At the same time, the number of cities where BRT is being planned, designed or implemented is large and continues to grow.

To take advantage of the expanding body of BRT operational knowledge and establish an ongoing dialogue among urban transport practitioners, the World Bank and EMBARQ are hosting a forum, "Bus Rapid Transit: Lessons Learned and Learning." The forum, held at the World Bank’s J Building, Room J1-050, will provide an opportunity to learn about many of the new systems and the challenges they face.

+For agenda and presentations from Day 1, see below.

Day 2 - Pedestrian Safety and Public Transport for Vulnerable Populations

January 15, 2009, 9:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location: The World Bank
Main Complex, 13th Floor, Room 121

Traffic safety has tremendous implications for the health, social welfare and economic well-being of people living in urban areas. Road traffic accidents are a major cause of death and disability in cities worldwide, with a disproportionate number occurring in developing countries. The most vulnerable populations such as low income communities, pedestrians, and children bear the highest burden of injuries and fatalities.

This one-day workshop, presented in partnership by the World Bank and EMBARQ, has the goal of exploring strategies to reverse the prevailing deterioration of traffic safety conditions in developing countries. The workshop participants will analyze the unique travel needs of vulnerable populations and the traffic safety challenges faced by countries with emerging economies. Discussions will be anchored in real world case studies of traffic safety solutions based on transparent planning, stakeholder consultation, and the use and design of public space.

+For agenda and presentations from Day 2, see below.

Day 3 - Achieving Global and Local Objectives Through Sustainable Transport: An Agenda for 2009 and Beyond

Jan 16, 2009, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location: World Resources Institute

Climate change will continue to be an important developmental issue confronting developing countries. As major cities in Asia, Latin America, and Africa continue to prosper, demand for increased mobility and motorization will also increase. In countries like China and India, the contribution of the transport sector on CO2 emissions is rapidly rising. It is important that developing countries implement strategies to mitigate CO2 emissions from the transport sector, and perhaps more importantly strategies that aim to avoid future CO2 emissions.

Such strategies when effectively combined with air quality management principles will not only address CO2 emissions but also improve urban air quality and the over-all quality of life in these cities. This one-day workshop, organized by the World Resources Institute, Asian Development Bank, the Clean Air Institute for Latin America and the Clean Air Initiative for Asian Cities Center will present and discuss important issues on how developing countries can implement such strategies.

+For agenda and presentations from Day 3, see below.