ABSTRACT
Governments have a long tradition of inteIVening in transport markets. This is because most transport systems need some kind of rule-setting in order to work properly. For example, a rule establishing on which side of the road traffic moving in the same direction should use, makes life easier, and most probably longer as well. In addition to such coor~ination problems, transport policy is concerned with the distribution of public goods, which might also be a prerequisite for private wealth. Transport policy has an impact on regional development, the availability of services for certain social strata, or the competitiveness of specific industries. Furthermore, transport is a source of accidents, noise, and exhaust fumes. Therefore, the avoidance of negative external effects is a third reason for public activity in this policy field.
