Constructing sky trains instead of conventional or underground trains is one of the potential solutions to reduce heavy traffic in cities. This essay will highlight both benefits and drawbacks of implementing such an approach.
To begin with the positives, a crucial advantage of overhead trains is their efficient land use. As standard trains and subways take a lot of space, shifting toward sky trains would free up road space for other vehicles and diminish traffic jam. To give an example, if we take all the trains from both above and under the ground and put them overhead, we can use the land previously occupied by them to construct roads that are suitable for bicycles, cars, and buses. As a result, the number of roads would be almost doubled, which can significantly minimize the congested traffic. In addition, unlike conventional roads, sky roads can be multilayered, which means they can be expanded easily. Since the population size elevates day by day, this advantage holds great importance for the future.
Nevertheless, building overhead transportation systems can present some downsides. Firstly, construction of such systems can increase visual pollution. Having trains all over the sky can lower visual distance and lessen the clear space for people under it, which is not only detrimental for health, but also negatively affects the aesthetic appeal of urban areas. Secondly, sky transportation can have noticeable effects on noise pollution, as the noise that is today blocked by ground will be easily heard in open air. This can disturb nearby residents and create health issues, such as hearing and attention problems.
In conclusion, although establishing sky trains are beneficial in terms of land-efficiency and overcrowding of roads, it is necessary to consider that they can also harm city appearance and lead to major health problems.