The Urban Bus Toolkit: Tools and Options for Reforming Urban Bus Systems

Since cities throughout the developing world face booming populations, sprawl, and choking pollutants, efficient urban transport is increasingly important. Bus systems in particular provide mobility to people across social and economic classes and reduce the harmful environmental impacts of reliance on cars. Too often though, faulty regulatory or competitive environments, poor route planning or vehicle maintenance hinder bus systems’ efficiency.

The online Urban Bus Toolkit provides the fundamentals necessary for municipal officials and policymakers to begin the process of reform. This site offers guidance on evaluating urban bus systems, providing best practice benchmarks and an interactive tool to help diagnose and address problem areas. Eight reform options span the range of private bus systems with varying degrees of public regulation, route or area contract systems, or a public monopoly. Links to case studies from the developing and developed world put policy paths in context, and are complemented by tips for transition.

Download the toolkit.