TRL2602
ASSIGNMENT 1
SEMESTER 2
2023
, Introduction
Transportation is essential to the functioning of any economy. It allows goods and services to
be moved from where they are produced to where they are needed. This is essential for a
functioning economy, as it allows businesses to reach new markets and consumers to have
access to a wider variety of goods and services.
In addition to facilitating trade and commerce, transportation also plays a role in creating
jobs, reducing poverty, and improving quality of life. The transportation sector is a major
employer, accounting for millions of jobs around the world. Transportation also helps to
reduce poverty by making it easier for people to get to jobs, education, and healthcare. And
by making it easier for people to get around, transportation can improve their quality of life.
The 2022 floods in KwaZulu-Natal had a significant impact on the transportation sector in
South Africa. The floods damaged roads, railways, and bridges, which disrupted
transportation networks and made it difficult to move goods and people around the country.
This had a negative impact on the economy, as it led to delays in deliveries, higher
transportation costs, and lost productivity.
The economic impact of the floods is still being assessed, but it is estimated that the damage
to the transportation sector could be in the billions of dollars. The floods will also have a long-
term impact on the economy, as they will make it more difficult to attract investment and
create jobs in the region.
1.1 Identify and discuss the reasons why transportation in the economy is important
Transportation is essential to the functioning of any economy. It allows goods and services to
be moved from where they are produced to where they are needed. This is essential for a
functioning economy, as it allows businesses to reach new markets and consumers to have
access to a wider variety of goods and services.
In addition to facilitating trade and commerce, transportation also plays a role in creating
jobs, reducing poverty, and improving quality of life. The transportation sector is a major
employer, accounting for millions of jobs around the world. Transportation also helps to
reduce poverty by making it easier for people to get to jobs, education, and healthcare. And
by making it easier for people to get around, transportation can improve their quality of life.
Q1. Here are some specific examples of the importance of transportation in the economy:
Transportation is a key driver of economic growth. By facilitating trade and
commerce, transportation helps to connect businesses and consumers, which can
lead to increased productivity and economic output. For example, a study by the
World Bank found that a 1% increase in the quality of transportation infrastructure
can lead to a 0.5% increase in GDP growth.
