The Main Problems of Road Transport in Rural Areas

The article is devoted to the analysis of the main problems of existence and development of motor transport communications in rural areas. These include: poor quality of roads; insufficient car services, petrol stations and other infrastructure; lack of public transport; limited opportunities for development due to low population density; safety problems. It is proposed to consider the creation and development of "strongholds" of bus enterprises as one of the directions for ensuring convenient and regular transport in rural areas. Separately, the servicing of low-power passenger traffic, especially during hours of less congestion with individual transport (social taxi) and the creation and functioning of the system of guaranteed service to the population (GSP) of rural areas are highlighted. The system-wide aspects of motor transport communications influencing the development of rural areas are revealed: accessibility; economic development; social integration; development of engineering infrastructure; impact on the environment. All modern models of road safety assessment used in foreign and domestic practice are analyzed, it is noted that they are in the direction of convergence and harmonization. The tasks that need to be solved for the development of methods for assessing traffic safety levels in road transport communications in rural areas are identified. Scientific problems in improving road transport are identified, including improving engines (increasing efficiency, changing the design, new diagnostic methods, driving mode, creating new types of engines, etc.); increasing load-carrying capacity and passenger capacity (this is associated with improving roads, using new materials, changing design principles, reducing noise, improving the environment, searching for alternative types of fuel); environmental problems; safety problems.