4 - Transportation and the Economy

Transportation is a major sector of the U.S. economy. It moves people and goods, employs millions of workers, generates revenue, and consumes resources and services produced by other sectors of the economy. In 1999, transportation-related goods and services contributed $980 billion to a $9.26 trillion U.S. Gross Domestic Product.

Figure 4
U.S. Gross Domestic Product by Major Societal Function: 1999

^a Includes all other categories, such as entertainment, products and services, personal care, premiums for personal insurance, and payments to pension plans.

Source: U.S. Department of Transportation, Bureau of Transportation Statistics, derived from U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis, Survey of Current Business (Washington, DC: July 2000).