ROLE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF CITIES AND REGIONS.

Purpose: The aim of this article is to examine if there is a correlation between the level of prosperity of Polish regions and their transport network. Design/methodology/approach: Literature studies were carried out, statistical data were analyzed, as well as selected case studies. Findings: There is a clear correlation between regions GDP and their transport network. Research limitations/implications: The author also sees interesting directions for further research in the future – related to the interconnection of macroeconomic and transport indicators. Practical/social implications: With the rapidly increasing level of motorization, the question of the efficiency of public transport is returning. While the role of public transport in urban centres is undisputed, it is much more difficult for agglomeration, metropolitan and regional transport to organise an efficient (cost and spatial) transport network. Thus, many questions arise: about the way of organising transport at the local government level or the possibility of financing. The author reviews two key public transport sub-systems: regional rail and air transport, and analyses the basic data on regional development, looking for interconnections. Originality/value: An attempt to link economic indicators (GDP level) with transport indicators (infrastructure use, passenger transport statistics). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]