Context

The transport sector was the fastest-growing sector in terms of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Colombia. Urban areas suffered from growing traffic congestion, poor air quality, and significant road safety concerns. The Colombian government believed that a more holistic approach to transport planning and deployment was required, with better coordination of land use and transport systems and integration with social housing policy.  

Goals and approach to transformational change

The project “Colombia – Transit-Oriented Development (TOD)” supported the transformation of urban development in Colombia by demonstrating how transit-oriented development can reduce the growth in car traffic by 25–36% and simultaneously improve air quality. Public and private investments (through Public Private Partnerships) were channelled into showcase projects across a range of locations and intervention types. The project promoted better-designed, walkable, transit-oriented neighbourhoods and contributed to reduced household transport costs, better access to jobs and services, and improved social inclusion in the respective area. 

Components and support mechanisms 

The Financial Cooperation (FC) component was designed to close the investment gap for TOD investments through demonstration effects and by creating an investment environment that enable TOD project. The project provided grants and subsidised loans to three TOD pilot projects.  

The Technical Cooperation (TC) component assisted government and non-governmental organisation in planning, designing, and financing of transit-oriented environment in Colombian cities.  

Long-term impact

The project intervention directly benefitted 1,309 people. The potential for transformational change, measured by the degree to which the supported activities catalyse impacts, was rated 3. FINDETER gained the capacities required to support the development of 8 additional TOD projects in the country. 

Visit the project’s blog to learn more about it.