The paper deals with the past and future development of the transportation networks of the European parts of the former Soviet Union. Today, there are six republics (in order of area size): Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. The total area is about 3.1 million square km and population over 140 million. Vehicle ownership levels vary from 25 to 170 cars per 1000 population. The highest values are found in the Baltic Republics. The transport system was earlier mainly based on railways. Waterways played an important role, as well. It is estimated that there will take place a drastic change in transportation systems with a rapid growth of car fleet and new modal split. Market economy and new tariff Market economy and new tariff systems will renew the whole field of transportation. The economical problems have reduced the number of air passengers. The change in freight transport work will mean a drop of the transport work of railways. Road transport will be more important both in passenger and freight sectors. (A) The German title of this article is: Transportnetzentwicklung in der Ehemaligen Soviet Union.
Abstract