Transport in Spain: a strategic sector for economic development
Transport contributes 2.9% to Spain’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and generates almost one million jobs. It is an essential sector for the distribution of goods and the mobility of people, and it is key to the functioning of the Spanish economy.
Road transport is the most important mode in Spain. According to the Observatory of Transport and Logistics in Spain (OTLE), a body under the Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda, the road represents 77% of total freight transport and 91% of passenger transport. The train is the second most important means of transport, accounting for 19% of freight transport and 8% of passenger transport. Maritime transport is the third most important mode, accounting for 4% of the freight business and 1% of passenger transport. Finally, airplanes account for only 1% of freight transport and 1% of passenger transport.
The transport sector in Spain has a promising future. Economic growth, population growth and globalization will continue to drive transport demand. The Spanish sector is well positioned to take advantage of these opportunities, as it has a solid business fabric and a first-class transport infrastructure.
Success stories
The Spanish transport sector is undergoing a transformation driven by innovation. In recent years, new companies have emerged that are offering new services and more sustainable solutions.
An example is Flixbus, a road passenger transport company that uses high-capacity buses to connect medium and small cities. Flixbus has developed a network of routes linking cities that are not well connected by public transport.
Another example is Volta Trucks, a British company that develops and manufactures state-of-the-art electric trucks. Volta Trucks has refined a range of high-capacity electric trucks, which can carry up to 16 tons. These trucks have a range of up to 300 kilometers, making them ideal for transporting goods over medium distances.
The success of these companies bodes well for the future of transport in Spain. These companies demonstrate that the sector is adapting to new challenges and opportunities, such as the growing demand for sustainable transport and the need to improve mobility in rural areas.
