Abstract

This paper makes a review of the transport policy for Santiago de Chile for the period 2000-2010. Its aim is to be critical but constructive in relation to this policy, as this discussion will not only help the transport Chilean community, but also practitioners from other countries in the same stage of evolution of their transport systems. First, a description of Santiago's urban characteristics is made. Next, comparing the 1991 and 2001 Origin and Destination Travel Surveys the evolution of Santiago's transport system is illustrated. The numbers show that the city is following the well-known car-public transport vicious circle that developed countries have gone through. Then, the main issues of Santiago's transport policy are discussed. These are public transport modernisation, road investment, promotion of non-motorised modes, and short-term traffic management schemes. We raise a number of concerns about some of the measures to be implemented for consideration of decision makers as well as for transport professionals in developing countries and elsewhere.