In the cities of developing world, provision of urban transport is often a complex amalgam that links formal and informal transport in the context of rapid urbanization. Ethiopian cities are typical in this regard. Despite its environmental advantages and significance to the poor as a mode of transport and a source of income, the potential role of Non-Motorized Transport (NMT) is often immobilized or even actively suppressed. This analysis disagrees with the implicit notion that formal transport sector is the major or exclusive creator of mobility value. Empirical evidence is drawn from studies carried out on five Ethiopian cities, by employing a `Comparative Studies Framework' to compare and contrast the emerging issues. Results indicate that NMT modes add as much value to sustainable mobility as does the formal transportation sector.

For the proper functioning of urban economy and the well being of the citizens, transportation is very essential. Securing sustainability in transportation has become one of the most important priorities in transportation. Over the years, the scope of sustainable urban transportation has expanded (Table 1). The scope of transport planning objectives has increased overtime, as people learn more about the broad range of impact of the decisions of transportation planning. Older issues were primarily concerned with the accommodation of motor vehicle traffic. In recent years new issues have been added addressing various social and environmental concerns, although the older concerns have not diminished.

It is generally agreed now that meeting the challenge of sustainable mobility requires the implementation of a common transport policy that is safe, efficient, competitive and socially and environmentally friendly.

Urban transportation and mobility issues are of major concern to urban transportation authorities of the third world countries. In developing countries, majority of the mobility problems result from a rapid and uncontrolled urbanization, confronting the roads with a traffic volume and mix that they were not designated for. This creates inefficient and congested traffic and many accidents. Due to the economic situation that characterize many cities across the developing world, walking and cycling are the two major types of urban transportation (De Langen, 2005). This new trend is due to the unprecedented rise in poverty levels among the urban communities of the developing world.

Infrastructure Journal, Urban Transport System, Ethiopian Cities, Urban Transportation, Millennium Development Goals, Financial Resources, Transport Systems, Municipal Documents, Time Consuming Procedures, Transportation Sectors, Management Decisions, Decision Makers.