Question
The best way for goverment to solve the traffic congestion is to provide free public transport 24 hours a day,7days a week.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Sample answer
The solutions to the pressing issue of traffic congestions, especially in metropolis, have been a frequent topic of discussion. However, 24/7 free public transport service would not tackle this issue; therefore, other effective measures would be in great need.
Theoretically, providing 24/7 free public transport, like underground and bus, could produce some positive outcomes, among which stands out convenience. This means that commuters could travel by any mode of public transport at any time. Moreover, it is free of charge, irfiich might slightly ease the financial burden on the poor or people of middle class. Certainly, this would attract more public transport users, so the number of private cars may be reduced considerably.
However, this approach would exert more negative outcomes if it is carried out. One main disadvantage is the low-quality public service. By making it free of charge, public transport service would, of course, degrade to a certain degree, since the vehicle will be crowded and even suffocating.. Another problem is that few people would use public transport at late night or in the very early morning; this would be a great waste in terms of public funds. Undoubtedly, people’ s financial burden would be heavier.
To solve traffic gridlock, we need to implement reasonable city road plan. It is true that some traffic jam is caused by inappropriate city road plan and construction. Thanks to high technology, it is also possible to install CCTV to make traffic forecast to drivers. Other strategies could exert significant effects, too, such as controlling and improving signal timing and restricting peak-hour curbside park.
In conclusion, 24/7 free public transport would not be an effective measure to resolve traffic congestion in the long term; hence other strategies need to be implemented at the same time.
