This chapter provides an overview of the transport situation in Germany by means of a limited survey of the former West Germany with an additional section on salient features of the East German situation. Transport determinants are examined including a) geography, b) population, c) the economy and d) education. The transportation system is described including a) roads, b) car ownership and c) public transport. Transport patterns are considered for urban, regional and interurban travel. Statistics are provided for a) number of trips, b) modal split, c) purpose, d) kilometrage, e) trip length and f) distribution of trip length by mode. The situation in Eastern Germany is traced since World War II and current systems compared. Figures are provided for trends in car ownership and traffic volume and mileage by mode.
Abstract