Urban Planning in Curitiba

The rapidly growing city of Curitiba, in southeastern Brazil, has changed from an agricultural economy to one based in industry and commerce. The consequences for the urban infrastructure are typical of any growing city in a developing nation: squatter sprawls, congestion, unemployment, and environmental degradation. City planners have addressed these problems by prioritizing public transport over private automobiles. The city is designed along transportation routes, which are serviced by extensive, economical, and convenient bus systems. Positive renewal has been supported through incentives and widespread information. Curitiba has also adopted innovative, low-technology solutions to problems such as waste management.