Tricycles are a common means of transportation in the Philippines and a major contributor to air pollution. Photo by Lisa and Alec via Flickr.

Fazilka Ecocabs merges technology with tradition to improve transport in Indian cities. Photo by Fazilka Ecocabs.

This blog post is a part of the catalyzing new mobility program and receives support from The Rockefeller Foundation.

But three-wheelers are a valuable cog in the sustainable transit chain: Provided older makes go green, according to a new analysis from Embarq, the transit unit of the World Resources Institute, an environmental group. Their merits include affordability, maneuverability in snarled cities—after accidents they often serve as ambulances—and accessibility for the disabled, elderly and women.

But three-wheelers are a valuable cog in the sustainable transit chain: Provided older makes go green, according to a new analysis from Embarq, the transit unit of the World Resources Institute, an environmental group. Their merits include affordability, maneuverability in snarled cities—after accidents they often serve as ambulances—and accessibility for the disabled, elderly and women.

A study, 'Sustainable Urban Transport in India: Role of the Auto Rickshaw Sector' by EMBARQ India, and published by the World Resources Institute, stresses on the importance of the keeping the auto rickshaw in mind while framing sustainable urban transport policies.

A study, 'Sustainable Urban Transport in India: Role of the Auto Rickshaw Sector' by EMBARQ India, and published by the World Resources Institute, stresses on the importance of the keeping the auto rickshaw in mind while framing sustainable urban transport policies.

Indian policy-makers have not yet fully recognised the role of the auto rickshaw sector for the development of sustainable public transport system in the country, a recent study published by EMBARQ India on ‘Sustainable Urban Transport in India: Role of the Auto-Rickshaw Sector' states.

Indian policy-makers have not yet fully recognised the role of the auto rickshaw sector for the development of sustainable public transport system in the country, a recent study published by EMBARQ India on ‘Sustainable Urban Transport in India: Role of the Auto-Rickshaw Sector' states.

Organizing auto rickshaw drivers has proven to be transformative for Ahmedabad's paratransit industry. Photo by henry…

Chapter L by Paul Barter in UNEP's newest report presents three-wheeled passenger cars as a significant and acceptable component of the urban transport system in developing countries. Photo by Brett Davies.