Transport and Regional Development: Some Theoretical and Empirical Issues

Abstract

The relationship between transport and economic development is a matter of much theoretical interest and practical importance and one that has received considerable attention over many years in both developed and less developed countries. It is also an extremely topical and controversial area of study. As Economists seek to explain how transport infrastructure development and improvement can be included in the theories of regional economic growth, Geographers are more concerned with the spatial implications of such development and on the other hand, would like to know more about the relationship since it would help in the general allocation of government expenditure in the economy. I the light of this, this paper tries to examine some theoretical and empirical issues generated in explaining the role of transport regional economic development. In addition, it also examines the nature of relationship between transport and economic development of a country.