Source: adapted from Williams, A. (1992) "Transport and the Future", in B.S. Hoyle and R.D. Knowles (1992) Modern Transport Geography, London: Belhaven Press, pp.257-270

Evolution of the Transport Technology, 1750-2000

The era after 1750 was characterized by a mechanization of transport where each mode knew an evolution in motive methods and vehicles. The first most meaningful innovation was the steam engine that improved the performance of the maritime and railway modes at the end of the eighteenth century. The internal combustion engine brought the large-scale mechanization of transportation modes, especially road transport. It was followed by a large diffusion of cars, buses and trucks with the establishment of vast highway networks. For air transport, the internal combustion engine allowed heavier planes and innovations in air propulsion lead to jet planes that can quickly transport a large number of passengers.

The technological evolution of maritime transportation more affect vehicles than speed. Metallic hulls and fuel propulsion enabled the growth of ship size as well as their specialization (oil, freight, containers).

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