Chapter 1

Question 1

How does transport lead to economic development?

Answer 1

Transportation links factors of production together in web of relationships between producers and consumers. Facilitates specialisaiton and division of labour, economies of scale, leverage geographical comparative advantage.

Question 2

What are the five ways transport contributes to economic development?

Answer 2

1. Market size - access to wider markets adds to economies of scale
2. Productivity - access to larger and more diverse base of inputs
3. Network effects - linking more locations increases value and effectiveness of transport
4. Performance improvements - reducing cost and time for passenger and freight movements contributes to economic growth, time and cost spent on other activities
5. Reliability - improves time performance and reduces loss and damage, reducing economic drag

Question 3

Why is railway the most cost-effective land based mode?

Answer 3

1. Very fuel efficient - 63% more efficient than road
2. Very little resistance - steel on steel has little resistance; fixed track=less friction; less resistance=more cost effective
3. Great economies of scale capabilities - low resistance means rail can increase capacity without increasing much of propulsion. High momentum

Question 4

Why is rail the most environmentally friendly mode?

Answer 4

1. Less pollution per unit
2. Less investment per km
3. Smaller land requirements

Only realised when mode is fully utilised!