Mode of transport

Air transport is one of the fastest method of transport, Commercial jets reach speeds of up to 955 kilometres per hour (593 mph) and a considerably higher ground speed if there is a jet stream tailwind, while piston-powered general aviation aircraft may reach up to 555 kilometres per hour (345 mph) or more.

This celerity comes with higher cost and energy use,[3] and aviation's impacts to the environment and particularly the global climate require consideration when comparing modes of transportation.

[10][11] The issue of impacts from frequent travel, particularly by air because of the long distances that are easily covered in one or a few days, is called hypermobility and has been a topic of research and governmental concern for many years.

Human-powered transport remains popular for reasons of cost-saving, leisure, physical exercise, and environmentalism; it is sometimes the only type available, especially in underdeveloped or inaccessible regions.

Propulsion is commonly provided by a locomotive, that hauls a series of unpowered cars, that can carry passengers or freight.

Intercity trains are long-haul services connecting cities;[12] modern high-speed rail is capable of speeds up to 430 km/h (270 mph), but this requires a specially built track.

Freight trains traditionally used box cars, requiring manual loading and unloading of the cargo.

A road is an identifiable route of travel, usually surfaced with gravel, asphalt or concrete, and supporting land passage by foot or by a number of vehicles.

[citation needed] Other users of roads include motorcycles, buses, trucks, bicycles and pedestrians, and special provisions are sometimes made for each of these.

The need for buoyancy unites watercraft, and makes the hull a dominant aspect of its construction, maintenance and appearance.

In the 1800s, the first steamboats were developed, using a steam engine to drive a paddle wheel or propeller to move the ship.

Short-distance systems exist for sewage, slurry water and beer, while long-distance networks are used for petroleum and natural gas.

Typical solutions include aerial tramway, elevators, escalator and ski lifts; some of these are also categorized as conveyor transport.

While large amounts of research have gone into technology, it is rarely used except to put satellites into orbit, and conduct scientific experiments.

[19] The most widely used modes for freight transport are Sea (40,000 bn ton km), followed by Road (7,000), Railways (6,500), Oil pipelines (2,000) and Inland Navigation (1,500).