Spain’s Transport Evolution and EU Integration
Features and Transport Problems: Improvements Since the 1980s
They have seen improvements since the 1980s.
Physical Environment Challenges
The physical environment is unfavorable: hilly, steep slopes, and adverse climatic features (frost, heavy rain, and fog). These conditions imply an increased cost and reduce profitability. The route network and infrastructure must adapt to certain characteristics of the physical environment, such as the presence of mountain passes.
Radial Transport Networks
The transport networks are radial, which facilitates the relationship between the center and the periphery but complicates communication within the periphery. The terrestrial network is headquartered in Madrid and radiates to the coasts and major ports. This model started in the 18th century. Regarding the airport network, Madrid-Barajas airport has direct connections with almost all Spanish airports and the main foreign ones.
Dominance of Road Transport
Domestic transport of passengers and goods is mainly by road, as it allows “door-to-door” service at discounted prices. However, external transport relies more on air transport for passengers and maritime transport for freight.
Technological Upgrades
Specifications have been upgraded since the 1980s and are now at a good level. The incorporation of information technologies has allowed the introduction of ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems) for infrastructure planning, network management, and user services.
Regional Imbalances
There are significant regional imbalances in accessibility, traffic intensity, network density, and quality.
Environmental Impact
The transport system has a strong impact on the environment, including spatial, visual, and acoustic effects, air pollution, fragmentation of ecosystems (detrimental to biodiversity), and contribution to the exhaustion of certain resources, such as oil.
Integration into the European System
It is necessary to improve integration into the European transport system. Spain must overcome its peripheral position and, in a global context, exploit its excellent geographical position to increase participation in international traffic.
The Transport Policy of the European Union
The European Union seeks to satisfy the mobility of people and goods within the EU. Its aims include:
- Rebalancing the weight between different modes of transport, compared to the dominance of road transport, by empowering rail and nearby waterways.
- Promoting Trans-European networks as a way to improve economic integration and social cohesion among members, paying attention to peripheral regions and states.
- Achieving a sustainable transport system that respects the environment.
Strategic Plan for Transport Infrastructure
Its objectives are:
- To correct the radial network, balancing the excessive weight of road transport.
- Improving efficiency, optimizing the use of existing infrastructure.
- Ensuring equitable access to transport for all people and territories, through the provision of non-radial infrastructure and improved services.
- Contributing to environmental sustainability, abiding by international agreements and EU directives.
- Encouraging integration with Europe through trans-European transport networks.
Transport is intended to help improve economic competitiveness.