Apr 23 2024
World Bank projects have resulted in reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and commuting times, with examples such as the upgrading and greening of Rio de Janeiro's Urban Rail System reducing transport-related GHG emissions by 89 percent compared to the counterfactual. São Paulo's Metro Line 5 is estimated to save 2,960,000 tCO2eq over its economic lifetime. Investments in Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in Buenos Aires reduced travel times for BRT users by 53 percent between 2016 and 2019.
The World Bank's focus on promoting inclusion of the poor is evident in projects like the extension of Lima's BRT system ensuring access to jobs for residents of impoverished areas and the high percentage of low-income passengers benefiting from São Paulo's Metro Line 5. The establishment of public-private partnerships, such as the São Paulo Metro Line 4, has earned global recognition as the best PPP in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Many Latin American cities face challenges of high GHG emissions, congestion, and unequal access to opportunities. Transport accounts for over 40 percent of regional urban GHG emissions, leading to long commutes and reduced quality of life for residents. The World Bank's approach to tackling these issues through mass transit systems has been transformational, focusing on reducing emissions, improving productivity, and addressing inequality.
Through operations and advisory work in eight Latin American countries, the World Bank has supported urban mass transit systems, facilitating a shift towards low-carbon transportation and enhancing inclusivity and sustainability in urban services. Projects like the creation and extension of metro systems and the establishment of BRT systems have significantly improved mobility for citizens while reducing emissions and increasing access to jobs for lower-income users and women.
The World Bank's efforts in Latin America have been made possible through collaboration with partners and government officials, leading to impactful results in reduced emissions, improved transportation access, and reduced inequality. Looking ahead, the World Bank remains committed to expanding its support for scaling up mass transit systems in Latin American cities, integrating them with other green modes of transportation and continuing to prioritize the needs of low-income households to promote inclusion and reduce inequalities.