TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATION WEB

BY

Blessing Archibong NTUKIDEM

COURSE TITLE: TRANSPORT, ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT (EVD 716)

INTRODUCTION

Distance can be overcome through communication and transportation. News and information are

passed from one person to another via communication, but transportation typically entails

carrying or transferring people and products from one place to another. While communication

occurs through the use of the phone, telegraphs, email, fax, newspapers, radio, television, and

other media, transportation occurs through the use of roads, water, air, and pipelines. Both

transportation and communication can be substituted for one another, and if communication

advances enough, it may be able to replace transportation. Rather to making a personal visit, for

example, one could telegraph, telephone, fax, or mail a customer or acquaintance.

It's a proven fact that various communication methods increase overall interactions, including

interpersonal interactions. Before recently, communication relied entirely on transportation since,

in the absence of technological communications, it was reliant on the effectiveness and speed of

the mode of conveyance. In the views of Rodrigue, et al; (2013) Oral or written messages could

only be carried from one location to another by travel, and most people took the same vehicles

that carried passengers and goods. Communication was also dependent on the speed of a man

walking, a barge, or an ox.

However, without communication, which is essential for sophisticated transport systems, the

development of transport may not be conceivable today. For example, railroads want to operate

trains on a signal track in two directions, and air traffic control.

Transportation Definition: Transportation means the movement of people and goods from one

place (location) to another (Banister, 2008). This movement can be through roads, railways,

water air, and pipelines. An efficient transportation system is in many ways the livelihood of an

economic system because it is the means whereby the friction of space is overcome. The need to

move goods and people from place to place is imperative and this has made possible the changes

in transportation technology in order to improve the efficiency of movements.

Communication Definition: Keller, (1877) Communication is very necessary for human

existence; it is a medium of sending and receiving information through various means.

Communication is a very vital aspect of society in which without it, it will be difficult for spatial

interaction to take place and if our messages are not clearly delivered, we may not get what we

need to survive. The needed thing could be information, money advice, or just emotional

support.

However, by disseminating information to several locations, a communication system promotes

economic progress. People's perspectives and lifestyles modernize and evolve as a result of

communication in response to the ever-changing global environment.

In the context of transportation, the web encompasses the physical infrastructure (roads, bridges,

airports, etc.), vehicles (cars, trains, airplanes, ships), and the logistical and operational systems

that enable the smooth and efficient movement of people and goods.
For communication, Keller, (1877) defines the web includes the physical infrastructure of cables,

satellites, and cell towers that enable the transmission of data and information, as well as the

devices and technologies that allow people to communicate and access information.

The transportation and communication web are essential for the functioning of modern society,

enabling economic activity, social interactions, and the exchange of ideas and information across

the globe. It is constantly evolving with advances in technology and changes in societal needs.

Evolution of Transportation and Communication

One important aspect of the rise of human civilization has been the advancement of

communication and transportation. The emergence of the wheel and the internet, among other

innovations, has had a significant impact on how we live and engage with the world Simple

devices like the wheel and sailboats have given way to intricate networks of vehicles like

automobiles, trains, aircraft, and even space shuttles. These developments have made it possible

for commodities and people to move farther and faster than in the past, connecting many regions

of the world and facilitating trade, tourism, and cross-cultural interaction (Banister, 2008).

Similarly, communication has evolved from verbal and written forms to electronic and digital

means. The invention of the printing press, telegraph, telephone, radio, television, and internet

have revolutionized the way people communicate and share information. These advancements

have made it easier for people to connect with each other, access knowledge, and stay informed

about global events.

The Objectives of Transportation and Communication

With modern technology, communication and transportation has been life to be convenient

as people can easily be in different places and chat anywhere at any given time. Not only
does modern transport and communication system save resources, but they also save lives.

It is the fact that transportation and communication occupy an important place in both

economic and social development of a country (Spengle, 2011).

1. Accessibility: To provide access to essential services and facilities such as healthcare,

education, employment, and markets for goods and services.

2. Mobility: To enable people and goods to move quickly and efficiently between different

locations, improving the overall efficiency of the economy.

3. Safety: To ensure that transportation and communication systems are designed and

operated in a way that minimizes the risk of accidents and injuries.

4. Sustainability: To minimize the environmental impact of transportation and

communication systems by reducing emissions, conserving resources, and promoting the

use of renewable energy sources.

5. Connectivity: To facilitate communication and information exchange between people

and organizations, enabling the sharing of ideas, knowledge, and resources.

6. Economic development: To support economic growth and development by facilitating

the movement of goods and services, and by providing access to markets and

employment opportunities.

7. Efficiency: To improve the overall efficiency of transportation and communication

systems, reducing waste, and increasing productivity.

8. Security: To ensure the security of transportation and communication systems, protecting

them from physical and cyber threats.

These objectives are interrelated and must be balanced to achieve a transportation and

communication system that is safe, efficient, sustainable, and accessible to all.

Impact of Transportation and Communication

According to Black and Henderson (2003), Transportation and communication have a significant

impact on economic development, social integration, and overall quality of life. Here are some of

the impacts:

1. Economic Development: Efficient transportation and communication systems are crucial for

economic development. They facilitate the movement of goods, services, and people, which in

turn supports trade, investment, and economic growth. Improved transportation infrastructure

can reduce transportation costs, increase market access, and enhance productivity.

2. Social Integration: Transportation and communication networks play a vital role in

connecting people and communities. They enable individuals to access education, healthcare,

and employment opportunities. Additionally, they promote social interaction and cultural

exchange, contributing to social integration and cohesion.

3. Accessibility: Effective transportation and communication systems can improve accessibility

to essential services, such as healthcare and education, particularly in rural and remote areas.

This can help reduce disparities in access to resources and opportunities.

4. Urbanization: Adequate transportation infrastructure is essential for managing urbanization.

It helps reduce congestion, improve mobility, and support the efficient movement of people and

goods within urban areas.

Challenges of Transportation and Communication in Nigeria

There are several challenges associated with transport and communication web, including:

1. Infrastructure limitations - The physical infrastructure required for transportation and

communication can be costly and difficult to build, particularly in remote or less

developed areas.

2. Cybersecurity threats - As more and more communication and transportation systems

become connected to the internet, they become vulnerable to cyber attacks, which can

disrupt services and compromise sensitive data.

3. Congestion - In urban areas, transportation systems can become congested, leading to

delays and increased emissions. Communication networks can also become congested,

leading to slower data transfer speeds and reduced network reliability.

4. Accessibility - Some people may not have access to transportation or communication

networks due to geographic, economic, or social barriers, which can limit their ability to

participate in society and access essential services.

5. Environmental impact - Transportation systems can have a significant environmental

impact, particularly in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.

Communication networks also require energy to operate, which can contribute to climate

change.

6. Privacy concerns - As more data is collected and transmitted through communication

networks, concerns about privacy and data protection have become increasingly

important.
Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach that involves investment in

infrastructure, cybersecurity measures, congestion management strategies, accessibility

improvements, sustainability initiatives, and privacy protections.

There are several enabling laws that govern transportation and the environment,

including:

1. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) - This law requires federal agencies to

consider the environmental impacts of their actions and to involve the public in the

decision-making process.

2. The Clean Air Act - This law regulates air emissions from mobile sources such as cars

and trucks, as well as stationary sources such as power plants and factories, in order to

protect public health and the environment.

3. The Clean Water Act - This law regulates discharges of pollutants into waterways and

sets water quality standards in order to protect and maintain the health of aquatic

ecosystems.

4. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) - This agency

administers laws and regulations related to vehicle safety and fuel economy standards in

order to reduce the environmental impact of transportation.

5. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) - This agency administers laws and

regulations related to public transportation, including funding and planning for transit

projects that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality.
These enabling laws provide the legal framework for regulating transportation and protecting the

environment, and they help to ensure that transportation systems are developed and operated in a

sustainable and environmentally responsible manner.

Success of Transportation and Communication in Nigeria

Nigeria has made progress in expanding mobile phone networks. The number of mobile phone

subscribers in Nigeria has increased from just a few million in 2001 to over 140 million in 2019.

This has helped to connect people and improve communication. Another success is the

construction of some new roads and bridges. While there is still a long way to go, these projects

have helped to improve transportation in some parts of the country.

The Impact of Transportation on the Supply of Telecommunications

The use of transportation rights of way to construct fiber optic (and other) networks. It can be

safely concluded that at least some start-up long-distance phone companies probably would not

be able to exist independently of a transportation partner to provide a ready-made right of way,

although there are notable counter examples such as MCI. Another example is the impact of

space transportation on the supply of satellite communications capacity.

The impact of telecommunications on the demand for transportation. A great deal has been

written on this relationship, particularly on the substitutionary potential of telecommunications

for travel. A list of some currently practiced substitution applications includes the following

according to (Keller, 1877)

(i)Telecommuting: working at home or other re-mote location, with telecommunications links to

a central office.

(ii)Teleconferencing: meeting at multiple locations, with audio, video, and/or data links among

sites.

(iii)Teleshopping: using computer- or television-based services to obtain information about, and

sometimes to purchase, products (see Salomon and Koppelman. 1988)

Iv Telebanking: using a computer with modem and/or a touch-tone telephone to perform banking

transactions such as paying bills and transferring money between accounts. Automated teller ma-

chines (ATMs) may also be considered a form telebanking, especially to the extent they are

found in convenient places not requiring a separate trip to access

A number of telecommunications products and services are directly targeted to segments of the

transportation industry; hence, transportation may be said to stimulate the demand for those

products and services. Obvious examples include nearly all forms of mobile communications-

that is, those forms which are vehicle-based (as some future mobile communications devices

become more person-based, along the lines of Dick Tracy’s two-way wrist radio, the link to

transportation, at least motorized transportation, will become more tenuous).

These products and services may be operations-related, largely arising from the need for

information, and control of, the movement of passengers and cargo. These include: navigational

devices; tracking/location equipment; dispatch services; and ship-to-shore and ground-to-air

capabilities. A historical ex-ample is again the development of the telegraph, which was partly

fueled by the need for "real time, "reliable communication on the status of trains. Or these

products and services may be related to personal communications, such as: Airfone and Railfone
services, permitting plane or train passengers to make phone calls in transit; and cellular radio, or

car phones

Case illustration: DHL is a great example of how transportation and communication work

together! Their business model relies on being able to deliver packages quickly and efficiently,

and that requires a combination of transportation infrastructure and communication technology.

Jumia is another great example of a company that relies on transportation and communication.

Jumia is an online retailer that delivers products to customers all over Nigeria. They rely on

things like road infrastructure, internet access, and mobile apps to make their business work

GIGM, which is a bus service that allows customers to book tickets online and track their bus in

real-time. They also use technology to make sure that their buses are running on time and that

customers are getting the best possible service.

Uber and Bolt. These apps allow people to request a ride from their smartphone, and they also

allow drivers to use their own vehicles to earn money. This is a great example of how

transportation and communication can be intertwined.

Conclusion

As mentioned in the Introduction, telecommunications can also be used to encourage travel,

despite the seemingly long list of applications for trip substitution. According to Mokhtarian

(1988) and others, there are various ways in which this stimulation effect can occur.

Even though there seems to be a mutually beneficial relationship between transportation and

telecommunications companies, their interests don't always align. Take into consideration the

effect of commute congestion on demand for car phones to demonstrate the possible disparity in
viewpoint between telecommunications and transportation service providers. People are more

likely to use their cellphones when they are stuck in traffic for an extended period of time.

A major shift in the pattern of development has resulted from the application of new machinery

and energy sources to transportation as well as the release of communication from the necessity

of object transportation.

REFERENCES

Banister, D. (2008). The sustainable mobility paradigm. Transport Policy, 15(2), 73-80.

Black, W. R., & Henderson, J. C. (2003). Urban transportation: Perspectives and prospects.

Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, 37(7), 601-616.

- Rodrigue, J. P., Comtois, C., & Slack, B. (2013). The geography of transport systems.

Routledge.

Lyndon. B. J. and Wilson. H, W (1970), ‘A President Surveys Transportation’, Problems of

Mass Transportation,(ed. by D. Reische) (New York: p. 38.
Keller, F. S. (1877) ‘The Telephone in New (and Old) Communities’, The Social Impact of the
Telephone, (ed. by I. de Solaool) (Cambridge, Massachusetts: MIT Press, 1977), p. 283.

Spengle, K.T., (2011), An Illustrated Timeline of Transportation, (Boston) About.com, (2000),

‘The history of transportation’, from About.com, [online], Available

"The Evolution of Transportation"(2019) - History.com, A&E Television Networks, ,

https://www.history.com/topics/transportation

"The Evolution of Communication" (2012) - Live Science, Future US, Inc., ,

https://www.livescience.com/20718-communication-evolution.html

Wilson, P .S. (1976) The Nature of News’, Journalism, Communication and the Law, (ed. by G.
S. Adam) (Scarborough, Ontario: Prentice-Hall of Canada, Ltd., pp. 26–30.
 A TERM PAPER

ON

EVD 716: TRANSPORT ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT

TOPIC:
TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATION WEB

SUBMITTED TO

DR. E. ITUEN
THE COURSE LECTURER
GEOGRAPHY AND NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

BY

Blessing Archibong NTUKIDEM

DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY AND NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
UNIVERSITY OF UYO

DECEMBER, 2023