Transformations in Transport and Communications

Transport and Communications Evolution

The transport of people and goods has changed considerably over the last century. In addition, costs and journey times have both decreased. This phenomenon is known as the Transport Revolution.

Modern Transport Systems

• Rail Transport: From the early 19th century to the second half of the 20th century, railways were the main means of ground transport because of their speed and carrying capacity. Today, it is used for the transport of goods, as well as for passengers on local routes and medium-distance routes on high-speed and other trains.
• Road Transport: As car ownership became widespread in the mid-20th century, the number of roads and vehicles has increased steadily. Today, road transport is the most suitable form of ground transport for lightweight goods over short distances.
• River and Sea Transport: River transport is limited, as it requires large rivers with a strong flow, or flat areas where canals can be dug. Sea transport is ideal for transporting heavy goods at a low cost. Passenger traffic is limited to ferries and cruise ships.
• Air Transport: Air travel is the most common means of transport for long-distance journeys.

Digital Communications and Connectivity

The Mass Media (print, radio) transmit entertainment, information, and opinions to every corner of the planet. Telecommunications are long-distance communications systems. This sector experienced spectacular growth during the 20th century and continues to thrive today. This growth has been even more pronounced since the introduction of satellite communications, multimedia communications, and fibre optics, which enable data to be transmitted at faster speeds.

Telecommunications technology has made it possible for communication between people to become faster and faster, and it allows the media to reach consumers almost immediately. The development of portable telephones (mobile phones) and computer networks (the Internet) has been especially important in making these advances possible. Similar to transport, this phenomenon is known as the 'Communications Revolution'.

The Global Village Concept

This concept, associated with the communications theorist Marshall McLuhan, presents the idea that the world has become a 'global village' thanks to technology and continuous information flow. The 'global village' concept is often used to describe the Internet and the emergence of communities unified by electronic means.