This book discusses the economics of transport infrastructure and the economic theorizing
around transport infrastructure from 1850 to today. Transport infrastructure systems are
continuously evolving over time. Since the mid-1800s these systems have grown in complexity and
outreach. They have been important drivers of economic development but have also been important
as economic agents in themselves. Over time transport infrastructure systems have taken on
different functions as providers of simpler transport services or more developed value chain
components. Transport infrastructure has also been a source for different arguments about
economic theory and practice. Transport infrastructure systems are analysed from an
institutional perspective where the long-term development of the ownership and financing of the
systems as well as the connection to different policy areas are elaborated. A longitudinal
study of Sweden's transport infrastructure policy is used to exemplify driving factors causing
change and transformation of the systems over time with different scale and scope.
