Transportation in the Modern Society - Research Paper Example

Transport involves the movement of human beings, animals, and goods from one location to another. As these transportation modes prove to be more useful each day, it is also important to note that, they harm the environment too. Planes, vehicles, and trains require fuel to function, and the fuel is a product of natural resources that are irreplaceable.

It also assists in the creation of employment opportunities, for instance, it employs drivers and pilots (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development 90). Thus, enhancing standards of living. Transport networks and mechanisms assist greatly during emergencies and natural calamities. They provide a means through which people and property can be moved from volatile to safer areas.

Air transport involves the use of planes, choppers, and air balloons. It is the most efficient means of transport when it comes to business connectivity and efficiency. It is also reliable for leisure since it offers an aerial view for diverse views and is quite fast. Reliable air transportation facilitates international tourism and faster transportation of goods, particularly perishable goods, more than any other means. Thus, it is an important instrument for economic growth. It is a fundamental instrument of globalization. This is because, it has a high capacity for enhancing the integration of political, economic, social, and cultural activities at an international level. It is the most expensive mode of transport, and therefore, often reserved for affluent travelers (Daley 1).

In the occurrence of natural calamities, air transport is usually the most convenient mode of movement of goods and people. Air transport is often affected by adverse weather conditions and is quite uneconomical for short-distance movement. In terms of security, air transport accidents are usually the harshest as it normally leads to massive damage to goods and loss of life. Surviving a plane crash is quite unlikely under normal circumstances.

Land transport on its part involves the use of roads, pipes, and railway lines. Roads connect different locations on land. Transport means that ply on road networks include motorcycles, bicycles, vehicles, and carts. Road transport instruments are driven by man, and animals, while others are motor-driven. Animal-driven modes were most popular in ancient days and they involved the use of animals such as donkeys to ferry people and goods to various destinations. Unlike air transport, this mode of transport is relatively less costly. It is quite useful as it is often used to transport perishable goods too, though too short destinations (Gerhold 1). One of its significant limitations is that it is quite uneconomical when it comes to ferrying bulky goods. Rail transport on its part is quite convenient for long-distance journeys and the movement of non-perishable and heavy goods. It is an important mode of transport as it is rarely affected by adverse weather conditions. Its primary limitation is that it is not flexible and uneconomical for short-distance movements. Pipeline transport is used for water supply, and movement of petroleum and natural gas (Coyle, Robert and Brian 271).

Water transport is also another popular form of transportation that involves the use of ships, boats, and steamers. For internal water transport i.e. within a country, rivers and canals often facilitate the transfer of people and goods. This is made possible by the use of boats and launchers. On the other hand, ocean transport facilitates movement across borders and this is made possible by the use of ships. This mode of transport is economical for the movement of bulky goods and is characterized by fewer accidents, thus much safer than the other modes of transport (Jain, Mukesh, and Ranju 42). It is also a fundamental factor contributing to the growth of international trade economic development as it facilitates trade.

Modern transportation modes aid the movement of people and property on land, air, and water. Vehicles, planes, and ships are the most commonly used modes of transport. Undoubtedly, the available modes of transportation are quite essential for man’s survival, and at the same time, they also harm the environment. Planes, vehicles, and trains require fuel, which is a product of natural resources that are irreplaceable. The burning of fuels also pollutes the environment as well. Transport supports and facilitates the cycle of industrialization as it makes possible the movement of raw materials to manufacturers, and processed products to consumers. Air transport is the most convenient form of transport for long distances while roads are the most frequently used for short distances. Rail and water transport are quite efficient for the movement of bulky goods.