The Thematic Group seeks to mainstream the pedestrian environment in transport planning and transport infrastructure. In addition, it provides good examples of inclusive transport services, with the overarching goal to make transport inclusive.

• Learning from the concerned
• Working with municipalities and road authorities
• Mainstreaming mobility and inclusive access during transport planning.

Transport strategy to improve accessibility in developing countries (PDF, 36KB)
This paper outlines guidance for addressing the access and mobility needs of disabled and elderly people in the context of the World Bank’s mission to reduce poverty and discusses the main challenges for providing inclusive transport. It draws attention to opportunities to learn from transport interventions and to current research and describes the main activities fostered by the Transport sector in the World Bank.

Inclusive Access and Mobility in Developing Countries (PDF, 190KB)

This paper describes solutions and interventions from the US and other industrialized countries that could be used in developing countries to improve access and mobility problems of the of the elderly, and people with disabilities in low and middle income countries. The paper also describes the data found on mobility and accessibility for the transportation of the disadvantaged in developing countries and how indicators to monitor progress could be used to realize various strategic frameworks to improve the travel situation of the disadvantaged.

Bus Rapid Transit Accessibility Guidelines (PDF 17.3MB)
By Tom Rickert, World Bank. December 2006 (also in Spanish)

"Pautas de Accesibilidad para Sistemas Integrados de Transporte Masivo" (PDF 21.7MB)

 Transport, Poverty and Disability in Developing Countries (PDF 112KB)
Technical Notes for the Poverty Reduction Strategy Sourcebook
By A. Meriläinen and R. Helaakoski, Linea Consultants, Ltd.
June 2001

Mobility for the Disabled Poor (MS Word 71KB)
By Tom Rickert, September 2001

Mobility for All - Accessible Transportation around the World (PDF 1.4MB) 
By Tom Rickert

Access Exchange International (AEI)
AEI promotes accessible public transport for persons with disabilities and seniors in Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe. Link to this site provides information on advocacy, planning, and implementation of inclusive bus, rail, taxi, and other transport services. The “International resources and web links” section provides information on AEI resources and other helpful publications and links and their Newsletters section gives access to the latest information on events and trends on these issues.

World Bank website on disability and development

This WB site provides access to resources on disability and accessibility issues linked to transport and other sectors.