The Linkages Between Factors of the Transport Environment: An Evaluation of the Capacity, Network and Environment Related Aspects

The transport environment---which includes network, capacity, and climate change factors---becomes increasingly important with the growing integration and competition among complex supply chain networks and the boom in e-commerce. However, research on transport mainly examines factors from the macroenvironment, leading to findings that are applicable to a general context. Further research is necessary for a thorough understanding, particularly of the relationships among the components of the transport environment. To fill this gap, the objective of this study is to analyze the association between various elements of the transport environment, including capacity, network, and environment-related aspects. A panel Granger causality investigation is conducted on the variables, including container transport, freight transport, road and rail density, and transport CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions for G7 (Group of Seven) countries from 1994 to 2018. The results emphasize the significance of transport modes in decarbonizing the sector. The findings also highlight that maritime and road transport are primary areas to be tackled on the path to net-zero emissions. As a promising mode for emission reduction, transport policy should prioritize rail transport in the context of the green transition. Moreover, the supply of rail networks should be in line with the rail freight demand.