It has been a controversial debate whether the allocation of state funds should prioritize the redevelopment of roads and motorways or the public transport system. Although governmental investment in the road system should directly benefit vehicle users, I firmly believe that public transportation, if adequately structured, will generate more lasting impacts on the surrounding environment, the overall urban appearance and residents’ living conditions.
On the one hand, some people support the initiative of upgrading roads and motorways owing to their advantageous effects on the general public. Specifically, if governments direct their budget to enhancing the quality of road systems, this should enhance the driving or walking experience of residents, thereby boosting their quality of life as well as societal well-being. For instance, in poverty-stricken areas, roads can be filled with potholes and become hotspots for accidents; therefore, when such infrastructure is properly developed and improved, these inhabitants’ life will greatly benefit. Besides, this improvement can facilitate several key sectors of economy, including tourism and logistics, both of which heavily rely on transportation. Once delivery and travel have been made easier, they will help other industries to thrive and yield incomes to the nation. Nonetheless, the increasing use of vehicles will exacerbate air pollution and worsen global warming that the world has battled. The exhaust fumes produced by cars, trucks or motorbikes will degrade the air people breathe and jeopardize the life they share.
Therefore, in my view, governments should invest more funding in the renovation of public transport. Firstly, this enhancement may bring about a positive shift in the public’s attitude as it encourages people to commute more by buses or high-speed trains. These eco-friendly alternatives will mitigate adverse impacts of common vehicles, such as bikes or automobiles, on the atmosphere and significantly contribute to the social well-being. Secondly, public transport system can resolve traffic congestion by reducing the needs for trips by other vehicles. Buses or subways that can accommodate hundreds of passengers can alleviate the issue of crowded streets, thus revitalizing the overall look of major cities or metropolises. Furthermore, public transportation enables citizens to save travel time if its attached routes are well planned and structured. In other words, thanks to well-designed public transport system, people may devote less time to long commutes; as a result, they have more leisure time to spend with families or to pursue their personal interests, which generally boosts their living standards.
To sum up, even though a well-developed road system can bring positives to the general public, these impacts can be outweighed by the lasting influences of public transport on the environment and social well-being. Therefore, in my opinion, countries should prioritize their funds to upgrading their public transport systems as in the long term, such renovation can benefit the public and the whole country’s progress more.