ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of key concepts covered in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book discusses how to overcome the fragmentation. It sets out the complex political-economic and planning context in which the challenge of creating an innovative approach to financing urban access is taking place. The chapter argues that the social characteristics of space and of individuals, along with the provision of urban amenities in a given urban environment, are also essential elements in the complex notion of urban access. It summarizes technical developments and discusses how these could enable more efficient forms of transport pricing and financing to be created. The chapter provides a background to the discussion of proposals to better organize and finance public transport in developing countries. It explores the importance of IT to the quality of urban access. Its value stems from its ability to provide real time data instantly to transport suppliers and travelers.
