World Bank – A Decade of Transport in Action

The World Bank’s Independent Evaluation Group (IEG), [formally the Operations Evaluation Department (OED)] has released a report entitled ‘A Decade of Transport in Action’. The report evaluates and assesses the World Bank’s transport projects from the last decade and makes proposals for future transport strategies. From an evaluation perspective, it aims to provide accountability for the achievement of previous project objectives. But in terms of future strategy, it recommends more attention be paid to confronting cross-cutting issues such as traffic congestion, environmental damages, safety, efficiency, and affordability. A key finding of the report was that while past projects have showed strong support for intercity highway construction and rehabilitation, for example, now other transport modes and themes (urban transportation, rural roads and multimodal transport) are increasingly important.

 “This focus will necessitate more innovative, multi-sectoral approaches to resolve these complex and urgent country and global concerns. The Bank may have to reconsider its priorities to fully address these challenging social, political, and environmental issues and shift resources to ensuring efficient multimodal transport, improved rural linkages, and better urban transport. “

For the full report, as well as further related information, including findings and recommendations, the World Bank Management Response, background papers, related events and a ‘photo tour’ of transport issues around the world, see

http://go.worldbank.org/BVRJRV7JF0