The Transportation Sector: Economic Issues and Challenges in the Nineties

Abstract

This paper discusses a number of initiatives undertaken in Australia to improve the efficiency of the transport sector, long recognised as one of the most inefficient links in the economic cycle of production, distribution and consumption. We use examples of practice in government trading enterprises (rail, bus, ports, airports), as well as private sector benchmarks (private bus and trucking). The paper also outlines some of the topical issues such as the 'blind' commitment to light rail, road user charges, safety and truck driving hours, and the future of our cities.