New England Online > Geography > Transport
Transport
New England's transport systems are dual geared, with adequate funding provided for the public and private transport options. Although most people use public transport in their day to day lives, it is essential that access to high quality roads and airports be available for people when they need them. In their every day lives, a person may need to drive (or be driven) somewhere in a hurry or to somewhere public transport does not cover, and so provision is made for people to move across the country quickly and without hassle.
In the movement of goods, rail is the preferred means of transport, with long haul road transport being discouraged by high fuel prices and tax. Lorries are seen as noisy and cumbrous and therefore are unfit for moving goods that can be moved by rail.
Transport Modes
Aviation - There are a number of major airports across the country, with all towns having a paved runway and some form of domestic air service every day. There are international airports in Armidale, Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie. Air travel is not a common form of travel for many people, with competition from the much cheaper rail industry makes air travel a luxury, only used in emergencies or by businessmen. The majority of flights are international trips made to Europe, New Zealand and the Pacific Union.
Ports & Shipping - Shipping is important to the movement of goods to and form the country. New England has two major shipping ports, at Port Macquarie and Grafton. All freight destined for the country from Europe and Asia passes through one of these ports, and both a major source of income and jobs for the cities they reside. Passenger shipping is rare nowadays, although in the beginning much of New England could only be reached by sea. Some cruise ships for New Zealand leave from Coffs Harbour, but these number less than ten a year.
Railways & Trams - Rail is the major form of travel for the vast majority of New England's urban population. Both Armidale and Port Macquarie have local passenger rail systems, and both as well as Inverell and Grafton have tram systems as well. Intercity rail is provided by New England Rail, and links all of New England's major cities and towns. Freight is usually moved by rail as well, with almost any type of goods also being transported by New England Rail.
Roads & Motorways - New England's roads have longed played second fiddle to the rail system, and yet despite this, the road system is one of the best in the world. A complex system of motorways, arterial roads and local roads move people the country in a short period, with few trips taking more than six hours. Driving is not something that many New Englanders learn until they start a family, and so the average age for getting a learner's permit is 26. Like Australia and the United Kingdom, New Englander's drive on the left.
