Suchergebnisse

Rapid urbanization and urban population growth are placing increasing pressure on the transport systems of Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) cities. In response, major cities in the region have implemented or are in the process of implementing bus rapid transit (BRT) systems, which is seen as an affordable way to address the mobility challenges. To enable a financially sustainable BRT system and mobilize private capital more efficiently, it is critical for SSA governments to have an in-depth understanding and comprehensive assessment of these factors to develop contextually appropriate, effective solutions. This study aims to assist both public and private sector stakeholders to enhance the financial sustainability and commercial viability of BRT systems in SSA by: (i) identifying, framing, and analyzing the key factors influencing the financial sustainability and commercial viability of SSA BRTs; and (ii) developing a robust analytical tool to guide a high-level assessment of the factors influencing the financial sustainability and commercial viability of SSA BRT systems. The study was conducted in five stages: (1) project inception, (2) desktop review, (3) stakeholder engagement, (4) factor identification and analysis, and (5) assessment tool development. Chapter one introduces the objectives and context of the project. Chapters two and three capture key findings for several major BRT initiatives, in particular in Cape Town (South Africa), George (South Africa), and Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), providing a basis for the characterization of challenges and factors that impact financial sustainability and commercial viability. Chapter four articulates nine fundamental factors and their associated key actions and recommendations to enhance BRTs' financial sustainability and commercial viability. Finally, chapter five provides a user guide for the factor assessment tool that should be used by decision makers when exploring the possibility of developing BRTs as an urban mobility solution.

Over the past decade, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) has been seen to offer an effective solution to the transport challenges faced in many cities in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), as a mass transit system which can deliver capacity matching that of urban rail systems, with the potential to be delivered more rapidly and at relatively lower cost. While urban transport infrastructure has traditionally been financed by the public sector, there is increasing interest from SSA governments in engaging the private sector to support the delivery of BRT schemes. However, despite the private sector has expressed interest for investment, the mobilization of private sector capital has been slow and difficult. The objective of this study is to undertake a systematic sector market analysis of BRT schemes in Sub-Saharan Africa from the perspective of the private sector, to understand the thinking and experience of private sector stakeholders participating in BRT schemes. The study also explores the reasons behind the hesitancy shown in this context by private investors. This report of the study comprises two main parts: (1) a desktop overview of the current commercial and financial landscape of BRT and urban transport financing in SSA, identifying current financing schemes and investors at presence or with interest; and (2) a market assessment of investors' appetite for BRTs, and their risk analysis, based on responses to a survey questionnaire and interviews.

Chinese municipalities have developed a large stock of capital assets during a period of rapid growth and urbanization, but have yet to modernize asset management practices. Cities face challenges such as premature decline of fixed assets and spiking liabilities related to operating and maintaining assets. This paper evaluates the asset management practices in three selected small cities and towns in China, using a benchmarking assessment tool followed by an in-depth field assessment. The paper finds that overall performance is below half the international benchmark for good practice in all three cities. Management practices are considerably more advanced for land than for buildings and infrastructure. Key deficiencies in data availability and reporting, governance, capacity, and financial management indicate increased risks for local government finance and the delivery of public services. For small cities and towns where public revenues are often uncertain and limited, urban public services will be at risk of deterioration unless good asset management practices are put in place. The paper recommends strategic actions for upper and lower levels of government, to advance local asset management practices and facilitate the reform agenda.