Written by Paula Castillo Martinez, Gonzalo Arauz and Alana Fook Passenger and cargo transport services based on digital platforms are transforming the transport sector and the financial inclusion landscape for drivers. This is particularly relevant in Latin America and the Caribbean, where nearly one third of people aged 15 or older do not have a bank account at a … [Read more...] about 5-star driver = First time loan: The financial inclusion potential of transport platforms
Alana Fook
Alana Fook works with the Transport Division of the IDB, based in the Jamaica country office, with a focus on urban transportation, road safety, electric mobility, and innovative financing models for infrastructure. Prior to joining the IDB in 2017, she worked with the Finance and Markets Global Practice of the World Bank, where she worked on payment systems development, improving the market for remittances and financial inclusion across a number of geographic regions, including Africa, Central Asia, and the Middle East. She is originally from Trinidad and Tobago and holds as Masters degree in International Economic Relations from The American University.
How can transport reduce poverty and promote socially inclusive development?
Written by Lynn Scholl, Alana Fook, Juan David Barahona and Seonhwa Lee Mobility and accessibility are essential elements for a dignified life and the full development of people and societies. Efficient, safe, affordable, and accessible transportation systems not only promote economic productivity and create jobs but can increase access to employment, recreational, and … [Read more...] about How can transport reduce poverty and promote socially inclusive development?
Digital Payments for Urban Mobility
Accelerating Sustainability and Connectivity in Cities The COVID-19 pandemic brought much of the world to a screeching halt earlier this year. Many once-bustling cities around the world saw the number of cars on their streets dwindle and a dramatic decline in C02 emissions. By June 2020, global carbon emissions were projected to decline 8% in 2020, falling to levels not seen … [Read more...] about Digital Payments for Urban Mobility
Mobility in the time of Coronavirus: Implications for the Jamaican Transport Sector
Transport operators in Jamaica are feeling the pinch from social distancing measures to restrict the spread of the COVID-19. Many continue to operate by choice or to fulfill obligations to get essential workers to and from their jobs. For drivers, the reduction in demand will certainly translate into depressed incomes, from reduced hours for those employed in the formal sector … [Read more...] about Mobility in the time of Coronavirus: Implications for the Jamaican Transport Sector
Road traffic deaths disproportionately affecting developing countries: Could technology help us tackle speed enforcement?
The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims (#WDoR) – initiated by the UK’s RoadPeace Founder in 1993, adopted by the European Federation of Road Traffic Victims (FEVR) beginning in 1995, and formally endorsed by United Nations, pursuant to General Assembly resolution 60/5, 2005 – is commemorated on the third Sunday in November. In the years since the day was first … [Read more...] about Road traffic deaths disproportionately affecting developing countries: Could technology help us tackle speed enforcement?