Introduction

The sustainability debate has a palpable history in Rio de Janeiro. It was in the Brazilian city where the United Nations’ member states first convened in 1992 to discuss an international approach to sustainable development, later known as the ‘Rio Summit.’ Twenty years later, ‘Rio+20’ was also held there, with world leaders discussing what progress had been made — or, more importantly, hadn’t. Nearing the summit’s thirtieth anniversary, it appears as if the world is no closer to global cooperation. Instead, more attention is being paid locally, as cities and countries continue to tackle ‘smart growth’ and climate crisis…

Introduction

In weighing the landscape of opinions, informal transport is either a nuisance, or necessity. Depending on the viewpoint — academics, transport planners, operators, riders, etc. — this ‘unofficial’ industry is sidelined as a competitor against ‘official’ transport systems in cities, or labeled a pragmatic solution, particularly for those of low-income backgrounds (Cervero & Golub, 2007). Yet while arguments exist on both sides, it is undeniable that informal transport plays a distinct role in urban centers around the globe. Exactly what that role should be remains the most critical point to debate.

When mobility is understood through the lenses of…

Why study mega-infrastructure projects? At the twilight of 2019, infrastructure is a battleground, where global and local interests clash over access, and power. And in the age of mega-cities, mega-infrastructure projects (MIPs) that favour the former while disconnecting the latter are dominant (Castells: 436). They are more complex than ever: just as the world’s networks have intertwined in ways not seen since the Silk Road, so, too, have infrastructure projects, no longer serving the mere function of use — e.g. providing electricity, or transport — but something much greater. This paper aims to clarify said complexity through the study of…

London is not short of discourses surrounding Crossrail. The 18£ billion transport scheme is one of the most consequential infrastructure projects to ever befall London; it will include ten new stations, encompassing the Elizabeth line, and add 10 percent capacity to London’s metro overall. Yet its delayed delivery — now over two years past the original deadline of 2018, coupled with a growing price tag for Transport for London (TfL) — has mired the project in controversy, garnering criticism from across the political spectrum. But this paper is not about Crossrail; rather, it’s about the project lying in its wake…