
The Mobility Trap
Transport Exclusion in Global South Cities
Karen Lucas(Author)
Policy Press
1st Edition
Will be published approx. on 1. December 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
176 pages
978-1-4473-7079-6 (ISBN)
Description
This book confronts the persistent problem of transport exclusion in Global South cities, where urban poor populations-reliant almost entirely on walking-face arduous journeys and daily risks to their safety.
It reveals that the concerns of local populations are rarely at the forefront of transport policy decisions, sometimes resulting from a wish to streamline traffic flows but at other times to explicitly exclude the poor. Addressing the issue of neo-colonialism, the book shows how socially just planning can fulfil the mobility and accessibility needs of urban poor citizens.
It reveals that the concerns of local populations are rarely at the forefront of transport policy decisions, sometimes resulting from a wish to streamline traffic flows but at other times to explicitly exclude the poor. Addressing the issue of neo-colonialism, the book shows how socially just planning can fulfil the mobility and accessibility needs of urban poor citizens.
Reviews / Votes
'A vital, visionary roadmap for equitable urban mobility, championing context-sensitive solutions that centre marginalized communities. Essential reading.' Carly Gilbert-Patrick, SLOCAT Partnership 'Transport exclusion in policy and planning has typically focused on Euro-American urban contexts. Lucas's timely, critical case studies and empirical evidence shows how governments and multi-national institutions in Global South cities both produce and perpetuate transport exclusion and the resulting hardships that it creates.' Julian Agyeman, Tufts UniversityMore details
Edition
First Edition
Language
English
Place of publication
Bristol
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Bristol University Press
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Illustrations
Not illustrated
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 156 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-4473-7079-6 (9781447370796)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Book
approx. 12/2026
1st Edition
Policy Press
€121.50
Not yet published
Person
Karen Lucas is Professor of Human Geography and Director of the Manchester Urban Institute at The University of Manchester.
Content
Preface
Introduction
Part 1: What Is Going Wrong??
1. Getting There?
2. Paying for It?
3. Staying Alive?
4. Homeward Bound?
Part 2: Why Is It Happening??
5. African Appropriations (Nairobi)??
6. Hangovers from the Haciendas (Quito)?
7. Relics of the Raj (Dhaka)?
8. Pilfering the Philippines (Manila)?
Conclusion: What Can Be Done?
Introduction
Part 1: What Is Going Wrong??
1. Getting There?
2. Paying for It?
3. Staying Alive?
4. Homeward Bound?
Part 2: Why Is It Happening??
5. African Appropriations (Nairobi)??
6. Hangovers from the Haciendas (Quito)?
7. Relics of the Raj (Dhaka)?
8. Pilfering the Philippines (Manila)?
Conclusion: What Can Be Done?