liikennetalouden

Liikennetalous is a Finnish term that translates to "transport economics" or "traffic economics." It encompasses the economic principles and analysis related to transportation systems, including infrastructure, vehicles, and operations. This field examines how economic factors influence the demand for and supply of transportation services, as well as the costs and benefits associated with them.

Key areas of study within liikennetalous include pricing mechanisms for transport (such as tolls and fares), investment decisions in transport infrastructure, the economic impacts of transportation on regional development and trade, and the evaluation of environmental externalities like pollution and congestion. It also addresses issues of market structure and regulation within the transport sector, including the role of public and private entities.

The ultimate goal of liikennetalous is to understand and optimize the efficiency, equity, and sustainability of transportation networks. This involves analyzing trade-offs between different transport modes, such as road, rail, air, and maritime transport, and their respective economic and social consequences. Policymakers and researchers use the principles of liikennetalous to inform decisions about transportation planning, investment, and regulation, aiming to create effective and economically sound transport systems.