Transportation Systems

Transportation Systems Definition - A group of components, including inputs, processes, outputs, and feedback used together to move people and goods from one location to another.

Categories Land Transportation Water Transportation Air Transportation Space Transportation Intermodal Transportation

Land Transportation The movement of goods and people in a vehicle operating above or under the ground. Ex. Subways, Buses, Trains, Trucks and Motorcycles

Land Transportation 5 Categories Rail - Involves vehicles that use rails for guidance while traveling Highway - Uses local roads and highways Pipeline - moves cargo through stationary pipes On-site - moves people or cargo short distances, such as between buildings or complexes Recreational - Used for fun, sport, or general leisure.

Water Transportation The way in which people and cargo are moved on bodies of water. Two Forms Inland - Canals, Rivers, Lakes Transoceanic - Across the ocean

Air Transportation Movement of people or cargo above the ground and within the earth atmosphere. Two Types Lighter than Air - Vehicles rise and float on their own (Balloons and Hang Gliders) Heavier than Air - Requires power to create movement (Airplanes, Jets and Helicopters)

Space Transportation The movement of people or cargo within near space and outer space. Can be manned or unmanned Ex. Missiles, Rockets, Satellites, Space Shuttles, and Spacecraft.

Intermodal Transportation When more than one of the environments is used (Land, Water, Air, Space) it is considered Intermodal Transportation Ex. A container of products may cross the ocean on a ship, be transported inland on a railroad car, and delivered to its destination on a tractor trailer.

Components of Transportation Systems The development and use of any transportation system consists of inputs, processes and outputs.

Transportation System Inputs Inputs - The various resources needed in order to begin and maintain the use of a system. People - Serve as both operators and passengers. Ex. Repairs, Manual operation, ticket sales, instrument monitoring

Inputs Capital Knowledge All the assets used to help operate the system and the possessions of the transportation company. Ex. Vehicles, Roads, Garages Knowledge The information attained through application and experience of the various tasks performed by people

Inputs Materials Energy The raw materials used in construction and functioning of a transportation system Includes iron, wood, fuel, plastic and concrete Energy Provides power and movement to the system Types include heat, mechanical, chemical, nuclear, light and electrical.

Inputs Finances All money needed to pay for equipment, materials, personnel and energy sources. Needed for the system to function efficiently and effectively.

Transportation System Processes Processes are the on-scene part of the system Receiving - The passenger or cargo is physically placed at the location for departure. Holding - Place to wait for the transportation vehicle Loading - People or cargo are loaded onto the vehicle

Transportation System Processes Moving - The actual transporting of people or cargo Unloading - Once the destination is reached cargo is removed and passengers exit the vehicle.

End Output Transportation System Output - The relocation of people or cargo