As the first decade of the 21st century comes to a close, demand for urban mobility continues to grow worldwide. The economic, environmental and social costs of transportation are immense. The transport sector is responsible for more than 60 percent of world oil consumption. Mounting negative externalities associated with traditional transportation systems are particularly driven by growing dependence on private vehicles, among the most inefficient and costly ways of getting around. However, there are plenty of alternatives for meeting consumers’ growing mobility needs. Public transit and transit-oriented development provide a viable path toward greener cities.

A host of factors, including population growth, urbanization, fast economic expansion, and changing lifestyles all contribute to the growing demand for mobility. Virtually all types of motorized transportation produce some type ...