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.