Transport challenges in Brazil and research opportunities

Abstract

Located in South America, Brazil has continental dimensions and a population of approximately 203 million. As expected, the country has many mobility challenges and issues, as well as various research gaps and opportunities to promote improvements in urban transportation planning. This article aims to present some of these mobility challenges, such as the lack of transportation surveys and data in many Brazilian cities, decreased demand for public transport, increased demand for ridesourcing, telecommuting, COVID-19, and freight transport. We also mentioned the National Association for Transportation Research and Teaching (ANPET in Portuguese) and its important role in promoting annual conferences and supporting transportation research and education in the country. After making some critical reflections, we have outlined various research challenges that aim to improve the future of mobility in Brazil.