transport
noun OPAL W
/ˈtrænspɔːt/
/ˈtrænspɔːrt/
- (especially British English)(North American English usually transportation)[uncountable] a system for carrying people or goods from one place to another using vehicles, roads, etc.
- air/freight/road transport
- the government’s transport policy
- The region has good transport links.
- We need a reliable transport network.
- Modern transport systems have been a severe threat to the environment.
- Good public transport infrastructure is urgently required.
Culture transporttransportMost trips in Britain and the US are made by road. Some of these are made on public transport (NAmE public transportation) but most are by private car.In Britain many people rely on their car for daily local activities, for example getting to work, doing the shopping, and visiting friends. People living in urban areas may use buses or trains to get to city centres. There are also underground subway systems in three UK cities: the London Underground (or Tube), the Tyne and Wear Metro in Newcastle-upon-Tyne and the surrounding area, and the Glasgow Subway. Some places in the countryside have very few buses so people living there have no choice but to rely on their cars.In the US large cities have good public transportation systems.The El railroad in Chicago and the underground systems of New York, Boston and Washington, DC are heavily used. Commuter rail systems allow people to travel from the suburbs to work in city centres. Elsewhere, most Americans prefer to use their cars. Families often have two cars and, outside major cities, have to drive fairly long distances to schools, offices, shops, banks, etc. Many college and even high school students have their own cars.Long-distance travel in Britain is also mainly by road, though railways link most towns and cities. Most places are linked by motorways or other fast roads and many people prefer to travel by car at a time of their choice rather than use a train, even though they may get stuck in a traffic jam. Long-distance coach services are usually a cheaper alternative to trains, but they take longer and may be less comfortable. Some long-distance travel, especially business travel, may be by air. There are regular flights between regional airports, as well as to and from London. A lot of freight (= goods) is also distributed by road, though heavier items and raw materials often go by rail.In the US most long-distance travel is by air. The biggest long-distance bus company is called Greyhound Lines, Inc. Amtrak, which is supported with money from the government, provides long-distance train services for passengers. There are many smaller private companies that operate commuter railroads for the cities. Other private railroad companies such as Union Pacific Railroad now carry only freight, though in fact a large percentage of freight goes by road.The main problems associated with road transport in both Britain and the US are traffic congestion and pollution. In London, a system of congestion charging has been introduced. The British government would like more people to use public transport, but so far they have had little success in persuading people to give up their cars or to share rides with neighbours. Nevertheless, travel by train is increasing. Most people feel that public transport needs to be improved. Americans have resisted government requests to share cars because it is less convenient and limits their freedom. Fuel is relatively cheap in the US and outside the major cities public transportation is bad, so they see no reason to use their cars less.Despite the use of unleaded petrol/gasoline, exhaust emissions (= gases) from vehicles still cause air pollution which can have serious effects on health. In the past, people were encouraged to buy diesel cars because they use less fuel and produce less carbon dioxide. However it has now been found that diesel cars cause more of other kinds of pollution, and some cities are considering banning older diesel cars.The US was the first nation to require cars to be fitted with catalytic converters (= devices that reduce the amount of dangerous gases given off). Emissions are required to be below a certain level, and devices have been developed to check at the side of the road that vehicles meet the requirement. Stricter controls are also being applied to lorries. Car makers are developing cars that use electricity and other fuels that cause less pollution.The cheapest and most environmentally-friendly ways to travel are to walk or ride a bicycle. Many cities now have special cycle routes or cycle lanes next to the main road. Elsewhere, there are so many cars on the roads that cycling can be dangerous. Sustrans aims to increase travel by bicycle by providing safer routes. In the US bicycles are used mostly for fun or sport.Extra Examples- He sits on the passenger transport authority.
- Investment in transport infrastructure has increased.
- The book deals with the history of road transport.
- The industry was faced with a huge transport problem.
- Transport costs are currently funded by the taxpayer.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- public
- cheap
- efficient
- …
- use
- arrange
- provide
- …
- facilities
- provision
- services
- …
- without transport
- access to transport
- a form of transport
- a means of transport
- …
- (British English)(North American English transportation)[uncountable] a vehicle or method of travel
- Applicants must have their own transport.
- Transport to and from the airport is included in the price.
- His bike is his only means of transport.
- The train is the preferred mode of transport for commuters working in Dublin.
- Hitchhiking is a common form of transport.
Extra Examples- The car broke down, leaving us without transport.
- people who have no access to private transport
- Staff who transfer to a different office will receive a transport allowance.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- public
- cheap
- efficient
- …
- use
- arrange
- provide
- …
- facilities
- provision
- services
- …
- without transport
- access to transport
- a form of transport
- a means of transport
- …
- (especially British English)(also transportation North American English, British English)[uncountable] the activity or business of carrying goods from one place to another using lorries, trains, etc.
- The goods were damaged during transport.
- controls on the transport of nuclear waste
- Transport to market is most commonly done by truck.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- public
- cheap
- efficient
- …
- use
- arrange
- provide
- …
- facilities
- provision
- services
- …
- without transport
- access to transport
- a form of transport
- a means of transport
- …
- [countable] a ship, plane or lorry used for carrying soldiers, supplies, etc. from one place to anotherTopics Transport by waterc2Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective
- army
- military
- cargo
- …
- aircraft
- helicopter
- plane
- …
- transports[plural] transport of something (literary) strong feelings and emotions
- to be in transports of delight
Word Originlate Middle English: from Old French transporter or Latin transportare, from trans- ‘across’ + portare ‘carry’.