Band 6+: In many countries, the cost of using public transport is rising rapidly. What are the causes of this problem? What solutions can be implemented to address it?Give reasons for your answer and include relevant examples from your knowledge or experience.

Cost-effective and convenient public trasportation is a fundamental feature of a economically thriving city. However, in recent times, the price of travelling in trains and buses have exponentially risen due to numerous reasons. This essay will discuss some of the principal reasons and propose feasible solutions to counter them.

Fundamentally, in most developing cities, the public transportation sector has increased its fares to maintain the running costs as the public have resorted to other means of transport such as private vehicles, car pooling,etc. This stems from the inefficient and substandard management of the transportation system. For illustration, a significant number employees in Colombo, who previously commuted by trains and buses, now commute to work by taxis and threewheelers due to the unannounced, routine delays in train and bus timings. Consequently, to maintain the running costs, the government has responded by raising the fares and this has resulted in a vicious cycle. To mitigate this, governments must streamline the transportation system by hiring competent employees to manage the shortcomings and thereby, rendering it convenient for the public. This can ultimately cause the local population to consider using public transport once again which would lead to a reduction in fares.

Another major reason for higher travelling cost is the introduction of high tech and more advanced vehicles. Due to the public plee of improved public transport sector, some countries have lavished a considerable sum of money in purchasing the latest trains and buses. As a result, to sustain the higher associated cost, states have imposed a higher charge for availing them, turning the public away from using the service. It is of paramount importance for a country to spend within its national budget allocation to sustain such cost consuming projects. More detailed analysis and planning must be made by the the country’s finance ministry prior to approval of such lavish projects.

In conclusion, the higher prices associated with public transportation arises from poor financial allocation and inefficiencies by the government. This could be avoided by streamling the public transport system to attract the locals and by imposing stringent regulations over fiscal usage respectively