CURRENT CHALLENGES IN THE ECONOMICS OF TRANSPORT SYSTEMS – a stakeholder and club good approach

Abstract

In this article, after discussing the concept of transport systems and the importance of its sustainability, stakeholder theory and club good theory are presented as useful instruments for analyzing different challenges for the sustainability of transport systems. This approach goes beyond the traditional discussion on private vs. public ownership or provision, and may better grasp the increasing complexity of transport systems. Stakeholders have different strengths and different priorities which may trade-off. This creates serious challenges for the sustainability of transport systems as well as its influence on the quality of life of different stakeholders. It will be argued that there exists the threat of transport systems to become a kind of club good by excluding parts of society from access and other benefits.