a) State five reasons road transport would be preferred to rail transport. b) State five functions of the Airport Authority

Answer Details

(a) Five reasons road transport would be preferred to rail transport

1. Door-to-door service: Vehicles can pick up and deliver goods right at the sender's and receiver's premises, whereas trains only move between fixed stations.
2. Flexibility of route and timing: Road vehicles can use many different routes and travel at any time, while trains are tied to fixed tracks and timetables.
3. Lower cost for short distances and small loads: Road transport is cheaper for conveying small quantities of goods over short distances.
4. Wider coverage/accessibility: Roads reach remote villages and interior areas that railway lines do not serve.
5. Suitability for perishable and urgent goods: Road transport is faster and more direct for short trips, so it is good for perishable and urgent consignments.

(Other valid reasons: it requires less capital to start than a railway, and loading/offloading is quicker.)

(b) Five functions of the Airport Authority

1. Construction and maintenance of airports: It builds, equips and maintains runways, terminals and other airport facilities.
2. Provision of air-traffic control: It guides aircraft during take-off, flight and landing to ensure safety.
3. Ensuring security and safety: It screens passengers and cargo and provides security to protect lives and property at the airport.
4. Provision of navigational and communication aids: It supplies weather information, radar and radio facilities to assist pilots.
5. Regulation of airport operations and collection of charges: It controls the activities of airlines at the airport and collects landing, parking and other charges as revenue.

(Other valid functions: provision of firefighting and emergency services, and provision of passenger facilities such as lounges.)