E-Business (B2B and B2C) is expected to dramatically change the way business is conducted internationally, nationally, within states and at local area level in the new century. Suggestions about the impacts of such changes on the transport system abound. They range from e-business limiting the needs for deliveries and travel to e-business significantly increasing delivery of goods and services. A study, undertaken with the support of the National Transport Secretariat and the Queensland Government, aims to identify and rank the major impact of e-business on the Australian transport system. The study is also assessing the economic implications of such changes both in terms of increased opportunities or increased costs at national and regional levels. This paper reports experience and views, both international and local, based on literature and document searches plus interviews with experts. In keeping with the theme of the conference there is specific consideration of the relationships between e-business and road safety. E-Business is likely to impact on the number and length of road based urban freight trips, as well as on vehicle types used. The Australian fleet of light commercial vehicles is already increasing at a faster rate than the passenger fleet and so are the number of trips made by such vehicles especially within cities. E-business might speed this increase, as well as generate delivery trips by other modes (for instance, bicycle based deliveries). Increased pressure on the road system may extend to inter-regional links as new business opportunities increase freight. Just as increased e-business traffic may impact the road toll, safety concerns could threaten trade growth opportunities unless appropriate provision is made. (Author/publisher) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E205861.
Abstract