Improved and climate-resilient public transportation helps communities stay connected in a changing climate and during extreme weather events while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In small islands like Curaçao, Aruba, and St. Martin, this means designing transport systems that can withstand heat, flooding, and storms. It also involves making public transport more accessible and attractive by planting native trees for shade, creating landscaped corridors for buses and bikes, and restructuring routes to serve more people. Aruba, for example, has explored small-scale “neighborhood buses” and free transport hours for youth and the elderly.

Feasibility & Local Applicability

The Dutch Caribbean islands are compact and densely populated, making them ideal for small, flexible, and possibly electric public transport systems.

Co-benefits

Beyond climate resilience, improved public transport reduces traffic, improves air quality, and encourages walking and cycling. Shaded routes and green infrastructure also make public spaces more pleasant and reduce the urban heat island effect. These changes support healthier lifestyles and reduce the risk of isolation during disasters.

Equity & Vulnerability Considerations

Affordable and reliable transport is especially important for vulnerable groups, including low-income households, the elderly, and youth. By offering free or subsidized services and expanding routes to underserved areas, public transport can reduce inequality and improve access to jobs, education, and healthcare.

Costs

Medium | Initial investments are needed for infrastructure, vehicles, and planning. However, long-term benefits include lower fuel costs, reduced health expenses, and fewer disruptions during extreme weather. Funding can come from a mix of public investment, international climate finance, and partnerships with the private sector.

Case-studies & Examples

• UNDP Blog – How to accelerate sustainable transport in Latin America and the Caribbean
• Bogotá green BRT

Literature

• Brugulat-Panés, A., Randall, L., de Sá, T. H., Anil, M., Kwan, H., Tatah, L., Woodcock, J., Hambleton, I. R., Mogo, E. R. I., Micklesfield, L., Pley, C., Govia, I., Matina, S. S., Makokha, C., Dambisya, P. M., Karim, S. A., Pujol-Busquets, G., Okop, K., Mba, C. M., ... Foley, L. (2023). The Potential for Healthy, Sustainable, and Equitable Transport Systems in Africa and the Caribbean: A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review and Meta-Study. Sustainability, 15(6), 5303
• Vergel-Tovar, C. E. (2022). Sustainable transit and land use in Latin America and the Caribbean: A review of recent developments and research findings. Advances in transport policy and planning, 9, 29-73.