Social Impacts of International Transport
Workshop, Leipzig, 26 May 2009
Policies to address the distribution of wealth and employment are generally outside the scope of the transport sector, but transport policies can have an influence on regional equity. Investing in gateways and cities reduces transport costs where economic mass is high in the core areas of globalised economic activity. Focusing investment on regional accessibility and links between the core and the periphery might spread economic development to these regions.

Liberalisation of transport services has increased efficiency and reduced costs in key transport markets, most notably in North American railways and the North American, European and Trans-Atlantic aviation markets. This has been a significant driver of globalisation and could be a major factor in future growth in trade, particularly in Asia. International competition remains controversial in some markets, for example European road haulage. Whilst the efficiency benefits of competition are clear, the current economic downturn makes social issues including wage rates and working conditions more acute.

Workshop Outline
Workshop Conclusions  -  also available in Russian
Background Documents