Modal Strategic Decisions in Transport and their Role in Sustainable Development: An Example from Romania

This paper aims to analyse the existence of a long term relationship between the modal split in transport and the sustainable economic development. The case considered is that of Romania in the period 1990-2013 (it includes the transition period and the crisis periods). The economic evolution is quantified using the GDP at market prices Index 2005 (=100). The Engel-Granger two step methodology and the Pearson coefficient are used in order to analyze the data series. It has been found that there is a long term relationship between the different transport modes and the GDP index. The paper also provides an in depth comparative analysis regarding the different action leverages in the modal field, that affect the sustainable economic growth. In the end, some policy recommendations are formulated in order to stimulate economic growth using modal transportation modes.