Strategies for Sustainable Urban Transport: A Case Study of Cotonou, Benin

Abstract

The unrestrained growth in urbanization and motorization generally contributes to an urban land use and transport system that is socially, economically, and environmentally unsustainable. Urban mobility systems are much diversified in developing countries taking into account their components in terms of transport modes and the development path linked to the urban growth. This paper uses Cotonou as a case study, which is the largest urban and economic city of Benin. The paper first reviews literatures on sustainable transport systems to comprehend the concept of sustainable development and transport. Based on the municipal development plan (MDP) adopted by the local authorities, the paper then evaluates the existing transport policies, projects and infrastructure system, to determine if the current paradigm is moving toward or away from sustainable transport. Furthermore, the principles for sustainable urban transport are developed to see what significance municipal transport policies have given to urban transport from a sustainable transport point of view. Finally some strategies are suggested, adoption of which may lead to a sustainable urban development and transport system in the city of Cotonou.Key words: Sustainable development; urbanization; Bus Rapid Transit; socio-economic; land use and urban transport system.