Abstract

This chapter offers a review of the evolution of the transport system in Santiago de Chile during the period 2000 – 2010, and the implications of local transport policy on vehicle emissions and air quality. The chapter comprises five sections, starting with a general overview of the Metropolitan Region of Santiago and its population, as well as a description of the current transport system. The relationship between transport and air quality is analysed for the period 1991 – 2001, describing car ownership and modal split trends, the technological evolution of vehicles, pollutant emissions from transport, and air quality trends. Finally, a critical review of Santiago’s transport policy is made, using the main programs of the 2001 – 2010 Urban Transport Plan for Santiago as a case study. The new public transport plan is included in this critical analysis (Transantiago), as well as a set of short-term strategies, road investment and car-use regulations, and non-motorized transport plans for pedestrian and cyclists in the city. Transport trends, however, show that Santiago is following the well-known car-public transport vicious circle that developed countries have gone through. This may offset the environmental effects from vehicle and transport improvements within the city.