Transport systems are closely related to socio-economic changes. The mobility of people and freight and levels of territorial accessibility are at the core of this relationship. Economic opportunities are likely to arise where transportation infrastructures are able to answer mobility needs and insure access to markets and resources. From the industrial revolution in the 19th century to globalization and economic integration processes of the late 20th century, regions of the world have been affected differently by economic development. International, regional and local transportation systems alike have become fundamental components of economic activities. A growing share of the wealth is thus linked to trade and distribution. However, even if transportation has positive impacts on socio-economic systems, there are also negative consequences such as congestion, accidents and mobility gaps.

Transportation is also a commercial activity derived from operational attributes such as transportation costs, capacity, efficiency, reliability and speed. Transportation systems are also evolving within a complex set of relationships between transport supply, mainly the operational capacity of the network, and transport demand, the mobility requirements of an economy.

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