As the world approaches the midpoint of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and prepares for the upcoming United Nations Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026–2035), there is a renewed urgency to understand how transport systems are evolving. Despite its centrality to inclusive development, the transport sector remains underrepresented in global progress tracking. This report by the Asian Transport Observatory (ATO) provides a comprehensive evidence base to support national strategies, investment decisions, and policy reforms in Asia and the Pacific.
Covering 36 countries and drawing from over 600 transport-related policy documents, this fourth edition presents the most detailed assessment to date of sustainable transport in the region. The report uses 54 indicators grouped under six themes: infrastructure and connectivity; access; mobility and equity; energy and emissions; resilience; and health and environment.
Policy analysis reveals strong national focus on infrastructure and connectivity, particularly in the road sector. From Timor-Leste's asset management approach to Vietnam's expressway expansion and Malaysia's performance-based maintenance contracts, countries are adopting varied instruments tailored to their needs. New strategies also reflect a shift toward digitalization, disaster resilience, and rural service delivery.
The report also highlights growing momentum in transport access, both urban and rural. Policies in countries like Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam show increasing ambition for mass transit, non-motorized transport, and transit-oriented development. Rural access remains a key priority, with Bhutan, Palau, Turkmenistan, and others aiming for universal coverage of all-season roads.
On mobility, equity, and prosperity, many countries are prioritizing public transport improvements and employment strategies, though clear modal shift targets remain limited. Notable examples include Bhutan's support for women in EV driving and Thailand's recognition of transition risks in biofuel and petrochemical jobs. Despite these efforts, significant gaps remain in policy specificity and gender inclusion.
Transport emissions and energy use continue to rise. While some countries now reference transport in their NDCs, few set direct reduction targets. Encouragingly, there are signs of progress. For example, most of the countries which have adopted the Aichi 2030 Declaration on Sustainable Transport have committed to peak transport emissions by 2030. Implementation, however, remains a major challenge.
Climate resilience and disaster preparedness show mixed progress. Only half of the region's countries report that most local governments have adopted disaster risk reduction strategies aligned with national plans. Some countries are advancing integrated approaches across transport, climate, and logistics policies, but coordination and institutional capacity remain weak points.
Finally, the health and environmental impacts of transport—especially from air pollution and road safety—are increasingly acknowledged. While emissions standards and fuel quality have significantly improved in the region, enforcement measures exhibit room for improvement. Funding and financing for road safety is an aspect that needs increased attention, which is critical strengthening the pillars necessary to achieve road safety goals.
This dashboard serves as a vital reference as countries chart a course toward inclusive, low-emission, and resilient transport systems—positioning Asia and the Pacific to lead the global transition during the Decade of Sustainable Transport.
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Disclaimer:
This deep-dive recording was initially generated using Google’s NotebookLM, based on content from the original report document. The Asian Transport Observatory (ATO) team subsequently conducted a thorough review to ensure the accuracy, clarity, and consistency of the information presented. While AI-assisted tools supported the initial synthesis, all interpretations and conclusions have been reviewed by ATO subject matter experts.
However, ATO, its funders, and its partners do not accept any responsibility or liability for errors, omissions, or misinterpretations that may arise from the use of this recording. Users are encouraged to consult the original report and other official sources for authoritative reference.