Transport and communications bulletin for Asia and the Pacific: combatting congestion
The Transport and Communications Bulletin for Asia and the Pacific is a peer-reviewed journal published once a year by the Transport Division (TD) of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). The main objectives of the Bulletin are to provide a medium for the sharing of knowledge, experience, ideas, policy options and information on the development of transport infrastructure and services in the Asia-Pacific region; to stimulate policy oriented research; and to increase awareness of transport policy issues and responses. It is hoped that the Bulletin will help to widen and deepen debate on issues of interest and concern in the transport sector. This issue of the Bulletin is dedicated to the theme of “Combatting Congestion”. With growing motorization, most cities in Asia and the Pacific are facing tremendous challenges in coping with traffic congestion. Congestion accentuates the health and environmental impact of motor vehicles because vehicles operating in heavy traffic pollute considerably more than those operating in free-flow conditions. Congestion also exacts a heavy economic and social toll, particularly on people living in cities, in terms of wasted time and fuel costs.