Abstract

This paper summarizes the results of a research project coordinated by the Department of Transport, Territory and Logistics of IUAV University of Venice. The analysis stresses the high amount of financial resources Italian community lavish to road transport compared to other transport sectors. In fact, in 2007, the Italian road transport costs amounted to about 400 billion Euros (160 for cars, 10 for motor cycles, 130 for freight trucking), while in the same year, the railway sector required just 10 billion Euros (4 billion traffic revenue and 6 million different public contributions, with a financial loss of 415 million Euros). Given this scenario, the paper tries to understand if the Italian current strategy on road transport sector is the optimal one or if it is possible to outline a new (long term) scenario in which the Italian resources can be used in a more efficient way in order to improve social benefits and quality of life.