Resumen
The importance of transport for economic development results from its multilateral links with different forms of human activity. So far, the focus has been on the impact of investments in the transport infrastructure on economic growth, whereas the importance of other elements of the transport system has been overlooked. In this article the concept and components of the transport system have been analysed, indicating the important role of the soft transport infrastructure and innovation. The main objective of the article is to analyse the role played by transport in the modern economy and indicate the mechanisms affecting the socio-economic development.