Transport can be described broadly as the movement of goods or people from an origin to a destination. It is one of the most fundamental aspects of an advanced economy. Buildings cannot be constructed without transportation of materials and people, food must be transported from farms to shops, and people must travel to get to and from work, recreation and other facilities. Transport has enormous economic and social impact, generates substantial employment and contributes significantly to Gross Domestic Product, with numerous support industries ranging from automotive manufacturers to travel agencies. There are also social costs of transport - such as road accidents, traffic congestion, fuel emissions, noise pollution and spillages of dangerous cargos. Information about all aspects of transport and its support industries is vital to effective planning by governments and industry.
Four themes are addressed in this chapter:
transport activity, covering the domestic and international movement of goods and people;
safety;
transport infrastructure, comprising roads, rail track, ports, etc., transport equipment and skilled persons; and
