Scale Environmental Historical Technological Political Economic
Local Hydrography and geomorphology Culture and settlement patterns Roads Zoning Employment
Regional Altitude Colonies Railways and canals Taxation and regulations Modal competition and complementarity
Continental Distance Colonialism / imperialism Sea routes Trade agreements Markets
Global Oceanic masses Globalization Air transport and tele-communications Multilateral agreements (WTO) Interdependency and comparative advantages

Source: Adapted from B. Hoyle and J. Smith (1998) “Transport and Development: Conceptual Frameworks”.

Factors behind the Development of Transport Systems

Copyright © 1998-2008, Dr. Jean-Paul Rodrigue, Dept. of Economics & Geography, Hofstra University. For personal or classroom use ONLY. This material (including graphics) is not public domain and cannot be published, in whole or in part, in ANY form (printed or electronic) and on any media without consent. Permission MUST be requested prior to use.