Final answer:
The selection of the best mode of transportation involves multiple criteria beyond low cost, including energy efficiency, sustainability, practical implications of electric vehicles, and geographical location factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question, "But is low transporting cost the only criteria for selecting the best mode of transportation?" addresses the decision-making process in logistics and transportation. The correct answer is b) No, low transportation cost is not the only criteria for selecting the best mode of transportation.
When selecting a mode of transportation, multiple factors must be considered beyond just the cost efficiency. These may include the energy requirements for various modes, expressed in kilowatt-hours per kilometer and adjusted for the load carried, whether people or tons of goods. It is also essential to evaluate the efficiency per passenger or per ton, which might depend on vehicle occupancy and distribution of energy consumption.
Furthermore, with the looming decline in oil production, the choice of transportation technology also significantly impacts the overall sustainability and feasibility of transport options. Specifically, different modes of transportation have varied implications on congestion, travel distance, and economies of scale, such as in the taxicab industry. Additionally, the capacity for electric vehicles to reduce dependency on oil must be juxtaposed against the costs and practicality of electric cars, including the necessary infrastructure for mass-scale charging.
Lastly, when factoring in all these considerations, geographical location plays a critical role because proximity to efficient transport networks, such as uncrowded freeways or access to rail or water transport, can greatly influence transport cost-effectiveness.