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The transportation industry is ever growing across the globe. Since World War II, there has been substantial changes within differing areas of the industry. There is constant changes in order to meet the current demands of customers, including safer, more efficient and affordable travel options. In recent years, there has been an increased demand for sustainable travel choices, as this has been highlighted as a growing concern of todays society - escalating the need for further developments. -
In the late 1950's, commuting started becoming a daily norm within an average working persons life. Following the war, main jobs will have mostly been continued in large towns and cities - while people remained living in suburbs. This allowed for commuting to become a regular occurrence. In addition to cars, trains and buses within the cities was a major option for commuters. Since, commuting has continued to grow while long distance commuting has become more practical with better connectivity. -
Due to incomes being increased after the war, as well as there being more time for leisure - travel expectations began to change. Customer lifestyles meant that there was a search for extra convenience when travelling, in addition to higher levels of comfort. Holidays started a becoming popular choice, and travelling to and from destinations grew a need for faster more efficient travelling experiences. More income meant car ownership grew - leading to an aspect of independence within tourism. -
The spike in passenger transport led to a significant rise of emissions - especially since petrol and diesel vehicles became so popular. In addition, air travel began to be far more accessible - in turn, emissions and air pollution was more severe and climate change started becoming a more prominent issue. The greenhouse gases that release into the atmosphere were severe, with annual average rates increasing by 1.7% damage. This causes climate change and has harmful effects on the environment. -
Following the rapid recovery of the economy and rise in car ownership after the war, road infrastructure had to be expanded. This was because the current roads were not sufficient to handle the increasing amounts of road traffic. The government had to respond to this by widening the networks of motorways across the UK. The M1 for example, was built in 1959 and had a simple design with fewer lanes. As road usage increased, motorways were to be progressively widened (usually from 2 lanes to 3). -
In response to the emerging concerns around impacts of transportation developments, protest camps began around the UK. There was heavy criticism from communities and environmental enthusiasts. An example of this would be the extension of the M3 motorway. Protesters established camps along the planned route - challenging the construction by making it difficult. This leads to delaying developments and drawing attention. Protest camps have since been a rather powerful way of challenging concerns. -
Arguably one of the most significant developments in the transport industry would be the privitisation of the national railway. This was done through the Railways Act of 1993. This was where the national railway was sold to different companies - which reshaped the ways in which it was funded and managed, as well as the operations. This was a major shift - leading to changes across other transport platforms, highlighting the importance of private companies within the public transport industry. -
The opening of the channel tunnel on the 6th of May 1994 was a significant development within the passenger transportation industry. It created an accessible link between the UK and Europe. This transformed international travel, with the operations ran by Eurotunnel. It is a 50km tunnel running beneath the English Channel - making it the furthest undersea tunnel in the whole of the globe. Production for this began in 1988 - since this, it has been revolutionary and a great success. -
The strengthening of government taxes in 1994 marked a major change in policy. The idea was to make the transport demand more manageable in terms of the growing concerns for the environment. Air Passenger Duty and Fuel Duty are probably the most important developments within the period. Fuel Duty increased the taxes on both petrol and diesel, which in turn encourages other more sustainable modes of transport as apposed to private car usage. Reducing traffic growth and protecting the environment. -
In hopes of recovery from World War 2, the UK plowed mass resources to rebuild and recover. There was much effort toward the organisation and efficiency of the passenger transport industry. Infrastructure began to develop, with new urban planning regulations. The period of attempts started long term growth within the modern transport systems - with much consideration into the needs of expanding and emerging digitalisation hand in hand with sustainability. Privitisation played a massive role. -
The huge surge in car ownership was the cause of varying factors. The past 80 years, the growth of car ownership has not slowed down - as of this year it is at an all time high! It has continued to increased every year. Rising incomes is a key reason behind this, as well as better manufacturing standards making car ownership far more accessible. To expand, the widening of motorways and expansion of quality roads for commuting is also highly important. Alongside this comes environmental issues. -
The modern era of accessible travel is heavily revolving around budget airlines. In the 1990's, the transport industry saw low cost carriers like Ryanair easyJet adopting a focus on 'no-frills' service. This quickly became popular to customers - with low costs and efficient, regular routes. This was where mass travel accessibility began - traditional airlines were heavily disrupted. These reduced costs were in exchange for basic services - which enabled millions to make use of air transport. -
Congestion charges were introduced to relieve the major traffic buildups within cities - with hopes to also alleviate the emissions released into the environment. London was one of the first cities in the world to bring in congestion charges - trying to encourage the use of public transport systems. Since, it has been a success and has had a significant impact - later being introduced in many other cities in the UK. With benefits like improved air quality and reduced pollution and traffic. -
Due to the mass expansion of transport, there was a particular concern on noise pollution. 2003 saw new legislation at airports (The 2003 Noise Act) to set limits on noise levels. This was the result of complaints from residents that felt disturbed by noise pollution from roads, airports and railways. There were many other innovations like quieter engines, low-noise road surfaces and noise barriers. This problem was unheard of before WWII, and now stands as one of the largest health issues. -
The development of online check-in systems revolutionised the modern transport industry completely. In the early 2000's there was a movement from in person check-in desks to online systems that meant passengers could check in pre airport arrival. This alleviated a lot of stress within airports, reducing queues. This benefitted the overall experience of passengers as well through efficient, hassle free services with more flexible options. It is undeniable that this a major progression globally. -
The introduction of smart motorways in the UK is viewed as a major innovation, helping to solve the mass demand. It has led to an improvement in road safety and efficiency. This is done through digital systems - with the ability to handle the capacity of cars and not need motorway widening. Although, concerns have been raised due to the removal of hard shoulders on many smart motorways for the risks of vehicle breakdowns. However, it is clear that it has environmental benefits with less traffic. -
After the pandemic in 2020, the UK in particular understood the urge for airport expansion to meet the expanding demands for air travel. The major expansion of Heathrow's third runway was targeted towards the support of economic growth and heightened capacity. Expansions allow for more jobs, larger aircrafts and improved facilities - which benefits international tourism. However, this has brought much concern on environmental impacts, surrounding communities and both noise and air pollution. -
The basis of the transport industry depends on consumer income. The modern disposable income levels has significantly impacted the affordability of transport. This allows for more demand on leisure travel across the globe. Although, the rise in living costs has meant that travel has become more restricted to tourists, meaning that budget airlines are becoming more popular than ever. While those with higher incomes are looking elsewhere, at more high end, niche trips that can be tailored to them.