The implementation of transport systems in Delhi as a way to improve air quality and mobility management

In 2004 and 2005 I contributed to a research program for the cities of South America under the sponsorship of the Clean Air Initiative. While studying vehicle emissions, the key findings were that high levels of air pollution and lack of mobility were a common problem for big cities in that region. By continuing the research of these topics in India, looking at the Asian context, similar conclusions were reached: not only the problems were common, but so were the weaknesses and barriers for implementation. While policies and programs to deal with these issues may be in place, and funds for public spending are made available, inadequate institutional arrangements seem to be the barrier for implementing the necessary actions. The aim of this paper is to describe the common issues that were observed in two different regions of the developing world.