This essay is an attempt to develop concepts for understanding governance of metropolitan transport in countries that are, or aspire to be, modern and democratic, with professional public administrations and the rule of law. Some 20 countries are discussed, some in more detail than others.

The aim is to provide the VREF with an initial understanding of WHY metropolitan transport systems are shaped as they are, and HOW they could be improved, in line with the foundations' newly emerged thematic initiative on governance of metropolitan transport.

This paper is based on four sources:

1. Five specially-commissioned background papers on governance of metropolitan transport that will be within short available on the VREF website.

2. A large number of VREF Centre of Excellence (CoE) findings and projects that deal wholly or partially with governance issues

3. Idiosyncratic readings of comparative literature in political science on political order and on quality of government, as well as literature recommended by knowledgeable transport experts within the VREF network.

4. A series of interviews with knowledgeable persons from practice and academia.

The publication does not contain references but has for target to stimulate through credible arguments deeper academical studies.