The main types of transport
Transport links places together, allowing people to travel and goods to be traded. In Asia there are three broad groups: land, water and air transport. Each has its own strengths and is chosen to suit the distance, the goods being carried and the landscape.
- Land transport: roads (cars, buses, lorries) and railways. Best for moving people and goods within a country.
- Water transport: rivers, canals and the sea. Cheapest way to carry very heavy or bulky cargo over long distances.
- Air transport: aeroplanes. Fastest but most expensive; used for passengers and light, valuable or urgent goods.
Key idea
Sea transport is the cheapest for bulky goods over long distances, while air transport is the fastest but costs the most. The right choice balances cost, speed and the type of cargo.
Modern developments
Technology has greatly improved Asian transport. High-speed rail, such as Japan's Shinkansen and China's high-speed network, moves passengers between cities at over 300 km/h. Modern container ports like Singapore and Shanghai handle enormous amounts of cargo using automated cranes. Large international airports and expanded expressways connect Asian nations to the wider world.
Example
The Shinkansen bullet train lets a passenger travel between Tokyo and Osaka in about two and a half hours, far faster than by road.
Importance of good transport
Efficient transport boosts trade, brings tourists, creates jobs and links rural areas to towns. However, it can also cause traffic jams, air pollution and higher use of fossil fuels, so many countries now invest in cleaner, electric and public transport.
Remember
- Land, water and air are the three broad transport types.
- Sea = cheap and bulky; air = fast and costly.
- Good transport aids trade and tourism but can cause pollution.