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» 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» 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