An issue paper discussing the role of transport in preparation for the RIo+20 Summit. The paper discusses the benefits of an “Avoid – Shift – Improve” mentatlity, and articualtes the need for transportation to be addressed directrly by the international community, rather than as a component of other issues. Transport is a key sector for sustainable development, and must create and strengthen effective financing frameworks to fund sustainable transport infrastructure and services that can keep pace with rapidly growing cities in emerging and developing economies.