Livability is a common ideal and pursuit of humankind. Development of human-oriented livable city is the meaningful content of "new-type urbanization" in China. Urban transport is the major modeler of urban form and travel behavior. It is a fundamental element of a livable city to realize harmony between transportation and city. This study reviews the studies about livability and urban livable transportation, and then proposes a framework of urban livable transportation from concept, objectives, and elements. The purpose of this study is to determine what livability means and the role of transportation. Based on research and outreach, we suggest that livable transportation is an important part of urban livable characterization. It is about using transportation facilities and services to help achieve broader goals, such as improving economic competitiveness and social equity, promoting the environment benefit environment, and enhancing unique regional characteristics. Further, livable transportation is that can provide the transportation system and space that emphasizes a safe, maintained road network; allows for multimodal transportation opportunities; provide convenient, comfortable and pleasant transport environment for urban residents. We emphasize on the multidimensional goal of urban livable transportation and suggest that urban livable transportation should be more comprehensive and integrated with economic, social and environmental objectives.