Special Journal Issue: Call for Papers!

Call for Papers!

Informal and Shared Mobility: Charting Opportunities and Challenges in Digitization, Equity, Governance, and Sustainable Transitions in the Global South

The African Transport Studies, Latin American Transport Studies, and Asian Transport Studies are issuing a joint special issue on Informal and Shared Mobility: Charting Opportunities and Challenges in Digitization, Equity, Governance, and Sustainable Transitions in the Global South. 

Rapid urbanization, digital change, governance gaps, and climate pressure make Informal and Shared Mobility (ISM) vital for inclusive, sustainable transport in Global South cities. ISM connects underserved communities, supports livelihoods, and fills gaps left by formal systems, yet remains under-researched in policy. As platforms and low‑carbon goals reshape mobility, urgent studies are needed on labour, governance, equity, public health, and environmental impacts. Integrating ISM with formal networks, securing financial viability, and aligning services with user needs are essential for resilient, equitable urban futures. Strengthening research and policy on ISM will enable innovative, inclusive planning across Africa and beyond and globally.

This special issue seeks to advance interdisciplinary research and critical dialogue on ISM by engaging with a range of multifaceted and interrelated themes, including but not limited to the following:

1. Technology and Innovation
2. Labor and Social Equity
3. Operations and Economics
4. Governance and Institutional Frameworks
5. Environmnt and Climate
6. Public Health and Safety

The issue aims to generate evidence-based insights into the operational, financial, and institutional dynamics of ISM in the Global South, while highlighting its potential to promote equitable access, improvement of working conditions, climate resilience, and user-driven service delivery. By inviting original research, case studies, and theoretical contributions, the issue encourages exploration of the opportunities and challenges shaping ISM across diverse Global South contexts. It also fosters comparative and cross-regional perspectives to inform innovative policy frameworks, methodological advancements, and investment strategies that support the integration and transformation of ISM within broader mobility systems.

Manuscript Submission Information: 

Submission Open Date: February 2, 2026

Submission Due Date: December 19, 2026

Please see additional details on the special issue and submission details here.

Warm regards,
Jacqueline Klopp, Director of the Center for Sustainable Urban Development (CSUD), Columbia Climate School