Transport economics: the impact of transport infrastructure on the economic development of rural areas

Transport services represent a vital component of modern society and the global economy. They encompass a wide range of activities— from the movement of people and goods to complex logistics, intelligent systems, and digital technologies that enhance transport efficiency. With the growth of globalization and increasingly interconnected markets, the development of transport infrastructure has become a fundamental prerequisite for economic growth and international competitiveness. A historical analysis of transport services offers valuable insights into how states have used infrastructure as an instrument of economic policy, and how the concept of sustainability has become indispensable in shaping new strategic approaches to infrastructure planning. This paper examines the evolution of transport infrastructure, the role of transportation in economic development, and the contemporary challenges associated with sustainability and environmental criteria. Special emphasis is placed on the historical development of transport systems and various examples of economic policies that have used transportation as a mechanism of economic influence and national development.