The future of Latin American urban transport

The quality of urban life is strongly influenced by transportation systems. These systems condition the speed and comfort of daily journeys to work, school and other destinations, as well as the location of residences, commercial and industrial establishments and recreation areas. Transport systems are themselves conditioned by the political and economic characteristics of the societies where they are found: where such social characteristics are similar, the transport systems are likely to be also. This article analyses the principal characteristics of Latin American transport systems and their effects on the quality of urban life. Some underlying social factors responsible for the selection of certain modes and policies are also discussed.