Components of transportation system

A transportation system is the combination of fixed facilities, vehicles and operating rules that move people and goods from one place to another.

Main components

1. Way (infrastructure/track): the path on which movement takes place - road, rail track, air route, waterway, pipeline.
2. Terminals: points where journeys begin and end or where change of mode takes place - bus park, railway station, airport, port, truck terminal.
3. Vehicles (carriers): the units that carry load - bus, truck, train, aircraft, ship.
4. Motive power (prime mover): the energy source driving the vehicle - petrol/diesel engine, electric motor, jet engine, steam.
5. Operating (control) system: traffic rules, signals, signs, time-tables, licensing, communication and management that keep movement safe and orderly.
6. Users / human element: passengers, drivers, shippers - their needs and behaviour decide the demand.

 Origin --> [Terminal] --> [Way + Vehicle] --> [Terminal] --> Destination
                 ^             ^                    ^
                 |  Motive power + Control system   |

Characteristics of a transport system

• Demand (derived demand: people travel to reach an activity) and supply (capacity of the facility).
• Speed, capacity and safety of the mode.
• Cost: capital, operating and user cost.
• Accessibility and reliability (frequency, punctuality).
• Comfort and convenience; environmental impact (noise, pollution, energy use).
• Flexibility of route and schedule.