Transportation plays a pivotal role in the fight against poverty. Services provided by sustained investments in roads, railways, transit systems, along with ports for trade by air and water can support economic development and poverty alleviation directly, in terms of improving access and opportunities targeted to the rural poor. Over the past decade, the World Bank, International Finance Corporation, and Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency have committed about $50 billion for operations or guarantees in the transport sector, amounting to 12 percent of the World Bank Group’s total commitments and guarantee volumes.
The World Bank’s strategy in the transport sector, and companion business plan for the next three years (2016-18), aims to facilitate the movement of people, goods and ideas in developing countries by focusing on mobility solutions that provide greater access, efficiency and safety, all in a climate-friendly way.