This study is a critical review of the urban transport systems in ASEAN cities from the policy viewpoint in the context of modernization and vast new investments This brings together a comparative data base on system components such as vehicle ownership modal split public transport slow moving vehicles cost energy efficiency and socio economic linkages Ownership patterns nature of the fleet vitality of vehicles operating environment and private enterprise elements are discussed in the context of private public role and system efficiencies A policy framework to protect the interests of the poor and modernize the systems in ASEAN is proposed