The air pollution which caused by heavy traffic loads has been a significant problem so far. While some people say that international car-free day would be an effective way to reduce air pollution, others say that there are more effective ways.
Overall, although world car-free days give immediate sharp drops in pollution and may encourage people to reconsider taking private cars, I believe that improving public transportations is more effective solution.
On the one hand, international car-free days guarantee better air quality and noise relief instantly. Private cars’ ban for the event means less cars on the road. As the number of vehicles which discharge gas decreases, air quality will be imoproved too. Also, noise would be eased either. Even though all these improvements are temporary, people experience cleaner and quiter streets. The reason why this experience matter is that it might motivate people to think twice before they drive private cars. When it comes to short trips, they may choose not to drive. Therefore, international car-free days reduce vehicle emisssions immediately and may motivate people to choose alternatives such as walking or taking public transportations instead of private cars.
However, I believe that improving public transportation is a more effective solution because it can reduce air pollution in the long term. After the event ends, many people will return to their usual driving habits and the pollution level will be returned to original too. Thus, we need long-term and sustainable solutions to reduce air pollution. A lot of people drive private cars because buses or subways does not take them to destinations directly, or they are crowded. If we expand bus routes and increase service frequency, more people would be encouraged to take public transportations. To sum up, offering more sustaiable solution, such as improved public transportations is required to reduce air pollution.