Transport shaping space: differential collapse in time–space

Although the tyranny of distance has been reduced by cheaper and faster transport, important geographical differences remain. Transport provision varies enormously. Globalization is uneven. Location remains all-important as time/space relationships collapse differentially. Nodal situations change and the spatial qualities of centrality and intermediacy enhance the importance of strategically located hubs. There is growing recognition of transport’s environmental externalities. Access to transport remains unequal and restricted by income, disability, age and gender as well as by location.This paper re-examines the role of transport in shaping space and considers the differential collapse in time–space resulting from a succession of transport innovations over 200 years. It assesses effects of cheaper and faster transport on spatial development at local, national and international levels, effects of intermodality on land/sea transport systems and impacts of fixed links in removing transport barriers. It considers whether time/space relationships have been encapsulated accurately in abstract models of spatial development. The paper examines how cheaper and faster transport has increased environmental externalities in increasingly mobile societies. It also considers aspects of social exclusion resulting from restricted access to transport.