Earlier this week I signed with the editor (Routledge) the contract for the 6th edition of the geography of transport systems. DIfficult to believe that I initiated this web site project about 25 years ago. In 2006, the first edition was published and a new edition gets published every three
Continue readingChapter 4.2 (Transportation and the environment) updated
The chapter discusses the main environmental impacts of transportation, including the concept of externalities. 4.2 – Transportation and the Environment | The Geography of Transport Systems (transportgeography.org)
Continue readingEnvironmental costs hierarchy
Environmental costs can be represented as a hierarchy ranging from those internal to the firm, which can be more readily identified and controlled, to externalities assumed by the society and can be difficult to quantify. Environmental Costs Hierarchy | The Geography of Transport Systems (transportgeography.org)
Continue readingChapter 4.1 (Transportation and Energy) updated
An update of the chapter covering the relationships between transportation and energy was completed. It follows recent development in alternative sources of energy. Still, transportation is expected to extensively rely on fossil fuels within the foreseeable future. 4.1 – Transportation and Energy | The Geography of Transport Systems (transportgeography.org)
Continue readingPotential impacts of high energy prices on transportation
Transportation systems can adapt to higher energy prices over a series of dimensions. A decline in the usage levels and modal shifts are common expectations that do not always materialize. More complex and subtle are changes in service areas, a selection of alternative gateways and hubs, adapting the configuration of
Continue readingVehicle Miles Travelled and Oil Prices
The growth of Vehicle Miles Travelled (VMT) and oil prices are usually inversely proportional. A surge in oil prices commonly results in a drop in growth rates of VMT, which can become negative with surges that are acute. The Covid-19 pandemic represents an exception as VMTs and oil prices dropped
Continue readingA Fourth Oil Shock?
Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the price of petroleum has been subject to substantial volatility. While oil prices collapsed in early 2020, by late 2020, prices surged. This can mainly be attributed to a bounce-back in the demand as well as aggressive quantitative easing by central banks. With
Continue readingAir travel in the United States almost back to pre-pandemic levels
Daily air travelers crossing through TSA checkpoints are almost back to pre-pandemic levels. 2021 marked the beginning of the recovery as vaccines became widely available and restrictions for domestic flights were relaxed (e.g Covid testing before boarding). Daily Air Travelers in the United States, 2019-2022 | The Geography of Transport
Continue readingMail Carried by USPS and Parcel Deliveries in the United States
The Covid-19 pandemic had a substantial effect on parcel deliveries in the United States. While mail deliveries dropped, parcel deliveries surged due to shifts in demand patterns. Through vertical integration, Amazon accounts for a growing share of the deliveries of the parcels it ships. Mail Carried by USPS and Parcels
Continue readingConditions Affecting Transport Costs
Added a page depicting the basic conditions having an impact on transport costs. Most transport costs result from a combination of factors, implying that each transport market can have different transport costs, even if the same mode is involved. Conditions Affecting Transport Costs | The Geography of Transport Systems (transportgeography.org)
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