Impact of information and communications technology on transport

The impacts of information and communications technologies on transport are examined. First, the wider context of global change is outlined with the growth in the service and knowledge-based economy, the breakdown of trade barriers, and the development of new patterns of travel. The more traditional views are briefly covered and discussed, and a case is made for longer term, more subtle direct and indirect effects of technological innovation on transport. Three spheres of influence are considered (production, living and working) to help structure the argument and to provide a framework within which to investigate the different information and communications technology applications in terms of their roles and impacts on transport. The review ends with three key unresolved questions that relate to the future of transport demand and analysis, and three further opportunities for using information and communications technology substantially to increase transport efficiency.