Issues and trends on sustainable transportation: the case of Brazilian cities (2003-2010)

Brazilian transport system accounts for negative externalities in terms of energy consumption, carbon dioxide, local pollution emissions, social costs and infrastructure expenditures. These elements results on unsustainable mobility system. Resources usage is considerable and trend lines depict growing concerns in the following years. Brazilian cities continuous expansion increasing passenger mobility demand as well as social improvements (including C social level group) combined with public transportation low quality causes exponential increments on external transport system costs. For methodological means, the Brazilian cities case study was based on documental and literature research within public administration in Brazil. Therefore, this paper purpose is to present external costs and urban transportation tendencies in Brazil. Research data states significant growth in public infrastructure expenditures provoked by exaggerated energy consumption in the last years. In conclusion, based on literature and the aforementioned data basis, it can be inferred that sustainable transport system relies on public transportation. Pursuing such scenario will lead Brazilian cities to save relevant amount of financial and natural resources.