TRANSPORT AND PROGRESS

Many aspects of transport relate to whether life in Australia is getting better. Transport helps people access goods and services and can provide people with more freedom about where they choose to work, live and spend free time.

Transport, while not considered a headline dimension of progress, is considered a supplementary dimension because of its relevance to whether life in Australia is getting better. It is difficult to develop a single indicator reflecting progress in the transport sector. An ideal measure might focus on whether people have access to efficient and affordable transport. Within our major cities an indicator might look at access to adequate public transport networks or uncongested roads. In rural areas an indicator might focus on whether the roads are in good condition or whether those who need a car can afford to own and use one. But whether transport is acceptable or affordable is a matter of personal opinion and is a difficult concept to measure. Even if data were available, there is no obvious way in which these aspects could be combined into a single meaningful indicator.

This commentary focuses on road fatalities and access to motor vehicles. Road fatality data, while limited in the scope of progress it measures, does provide an indication of whether road transport safety in Australia is improving. Statistics on motor vehicle registrations and motor vehicle use are also important as they describe how access and use of cars are changing over time. Additional information is included on air, rail and sea transport, fuel consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions to provide extra context to transport and progress.

For a full list of definitions used, see the Transport glossary.