ADB's Work in Sustainable Transport

About 44 million people annually become part of Asia's urban population. While Asia’s cities generate around 80% of the region’s economic growth, urban vehicle numbers are currently doubling every six years, a major source of greenhouse gases and congestion. Many of the region's cities suffer from very high air pollution, with as much as 80% attributable to transport.

To address these challenges, ADB is working with its member countries to develop comprehensive and integrated transport systems in many of Asia’s growing cities. Priority is given to public transport, walkways, cycle paths, and efficient traffic management systems.

In 2006, Asia accounted for 19% of global transport CO2 emissions. By 2030 that share will rise to 31%. ADB is supporting transport investment that reduces energy consumption and promote the shift to zero emission transport systems. This includes partnering with the public sector, privately, or through public–private partnerships.

ADB is also mainstreaming climate adaptation into its transport operations. This includes ensuring engineering specifications, master planning, maintenance and contract scheduling all take into account climate adaptation measures. Rises in sea level, changes in permafrost and precipitation, and storms, floods, and droughts are all becoming more common in Asia and the Pacific. These climatic changes all impact on the design and construction of roads, railways and other transport infrastructure. To address these challenges, ADB is currently developing improved analytical tools to systematically integrate adaptation measures into its transport operations.

Transport has a critical role to play in regional economic integration. ADB will continue to prioritise lending for regional transport infrastructure that makes trade between countries quicker and more efficient. The economic benefits of better cross-border transport have been enormous and include the expansion of new industries and special industrial zones along regional road corridors. Seamless regional transport networks also require simplified border formalities and customs processes. ADB works with member countries in these areas, as well as ensuring national cross-border procedures, operations, and documents adhere to international standards.

Of an estimated 1.18 million annual deaths due to road accidents globally, 60% occur in Asia and the Pacific. ADB is increasing the scale, quality, and duration of its support for road safety. This includes support for a comprehensive safe-system approach for.

To help achieve the overarching goal of poverty reduction, ADB’s transport work strives to include poor communities in project planning and implementation, as well as safeguarding their lives and livelihoods. Protecting communities from dangers such as HIV/AIDS and human trafficking is also mainstreamed in ADB’s transport project work. The social objective is to make transport accessible and safe for all, including women, the elderly, the youth, vulnerable groups, and minorities.