Transport as a public good

This article attempts to apply the theory of public goods to the transport sphere. The characteristics and classifications of specific types of public goods, i.e. pure goods, club goods, and common goods, are presented. In this respect, attention is paid to spatial, economic, social, and environmental criteria. The role of public goods in correcting the failure of market mechanisms should be emphasized. Defined through the prism of transport services, the lack of proper transport accessibility may be an example of the failure of market mechanisms. This is the case when the demand for transport services is low, which results in limited offers from market participants. The role of the central and/or local government is to correct this situation by assuming the role of public transport organiser in such areas. Transport infrastructure is another important element affecting transport function. As a public good, its significance is related to the characteristics of infrastructure, which include: a long development period, high capital intensity, and typically a long period of return on capital investment. These features mean that private capital rarely engages in the development of transport infrastructure.