Moving policy

Global and local characters circulating bus rapid transit through South African cities

Bibliographic Data

ID11670317
AuthorsAstrid Wood (0000-0002-3155-1396, University College London, corresponding author)
Year2014
Volume35
Issue8
Pages1238-1254
Publication date2014-10-24
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueUrban Geography (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0272-3638 • E-ISSN: 1938-2847
PublisherTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/02723638.2014.954459
OpenAlexW2079276028
LanguageEN
Citations received43
References cited39

In this paper, I explore the variety of actors who circulate international best practice around the world. I trace the introduction and adoption of bus rapid transit (BRT) projects and policies across six South African cities through international and municipal policy actors, to expose the role of individuals moving policy within the messy and tangled process of policy circulation. The analysis demonstrates the particularly important role of local actors in localizing global practice. While cities may learn of circulated forms of knowledge through innovative and dynamic individuals, policy is adopted only through local actors with governmental support. This premise adds a critical dimension to the policy mobilities field by demonstrating that adopting localities are instrumental in cultivating a receptive ground for the application of circulated policy. Global best practice does not simply float around waiting to be selected, but rather local policymakers are actively seeking and transforming innovations such as BRT

Best practice · Bus rapid transit · Economic growth · Economics · Policy learning · Political science · Premise · Public transport · Regional science · Sociology · Transit (satellite · Urban planning · Urban policy · Variety (cybernetics · Computer Science · Engineering · Policy Transfer and Learning · Public Administration · Public Policy and Administration Research · Urban Transport and Accessibility