Long-Distance Passenger Transport

Abstract

Long-distance passenger transport encompasses a large variety of interacting elements relating to the possible forms of transport, respective costs, the social, economic and demographic characteristics of travellers and their travel purposes. To present a comprehensive overview of this topic is not an easy task since clearly there are difficulties in ensuring that the various elements of passenger transport are treated consistently and comprehensively. Available statistical and other information probably does not permit the ideal overview, in terms of adequacy of overall coverage, to be achieved. Nevertheless, this paper aims at least to sub-optimise by presenting and discussing what appears to be relevant information which characterises the elements implied by the term ‘long-distance transport’. It must be stressed that this paper makes no attempt to discuss economic or financial principles which might be associated with cost recovery. Other papers in the seminar will be dealing with these principles. Where economic or financial aspects are presented here, they have a ‘descriptive’ rather than a ‘prescriptive’ nature.