The legacy of Jaime Lerner and Curitiba, Brazil

Abstract

More than 30 years have passed since Curitiba, Brazil, and Jaime Lerner, the three‐time mayor of the city, first became famous for the innovations that were implemented there, many environmental in focus. The most famous of these was the creation of a highly used and efficient public transportation system based on buses. Many have sought to emulate elements of the innovation put in place in that city. In recent years, however, both the country and the city have been beset by political scandals, economic malaise, and social problems, which have adversely affected many of these innovations. As a result, some question whether Curitiba remains relevant today as a model for the rest of the world. This perspective will examine the legacy of Lerner and Curitiba. Focusing on the public transportation system, it will make the case that the innovative principles underlying the original design of the public transportation system remain as relevant today for Curitiba and cities globally as they were then. These principles are design of an efficient and hierarchical public transportation system that takes its users from their first mile of commute to their last mile; construction of an urban infrastructure that supports and enhances use of public transportation; establishment of an effective public–private partnership where the private sector owns, operates and upgrades the vehicles while the public sector plans and oversees the system; and creation of a metropolitan governance strategy when the needs for public transportation go beyond city borders.