Recently Central Asian countries are at the very early stage of the transition towards decarbonisation of transport. The lessons learned from other countries help CA planners and decision makers to understand what decarbonisation policy measures could be applicable in the CA context and sufficient to shift the countries towards more sustainable urban transport. The round table will focus on exploring interlinks between decarbonisation actions, capital investment prioritisation, public transport funding, and fiscal reforms, including changing incentives and the behaviour of taxpayers and users of transport systems. For instance, the Metro Vancouver Region (Canada) has prioritised investments into a new regional rapid transit system over building new highways. It includes preserving the existing road system and prioritising investment in developing new rapid transit lines. The region has been supported by Provincial (British Columbia) and federal (Canada) funding in implementing this modal shift over the past decade. This Canadian case marks a notable accomplishment because it involves shifting political priorities and funding from one mode of transportation to another. However, a similar approach could be challenging in the neighbouring United States, where highway development is fiscally bound to the collection of gas tax revenue by federal and state governments. Historically, taxpayers are used to the fact that gas tax funds could be used to construct roads. The incentive for taxpayers to pay gas tax when they fill up the gas tanks of their private cars was always related to investing in good quality roads. Due to this past mindset that existed for a long time, it would be challenging to re-assign the funds towards transit and get voters' support. Even switching from gas to electric cars may be questioned because the federal and state governments may lose a considerable share of the gas tax revenue from the gas tax would decrease.

Agenda:

• Dr Madina Junussova introduces the topic and the participants, sets the context for the discussion and outlines the round table objectives.
• Dr Deborah Heinen presents: Challenges of decarbonizing the transportation sector in North America and Germany
• Dr Deborah Heinen asks participants to break into three groups. The groups are expected to engage in a structured discussion, building on each other's perspectives and ideas and developing their vision of possible policy solutions.
• Each group presents key points from the round table discussion