There is a school of thought that governments should allocate more funding to road infrastructure instead of public transportation. In my perspective, while roads and motorways play an important role in residents’ daily lives, I believe public transportation deserves better investment.
Admittedly, the improvement in highways brings many benefits. Nowadays, more and more people own private vehicles as they can travel more independently. This leads to greater demand for better road infrastructure, which requires roads to be widened and more accessible. Consequently, people can save time and effort when commuting, especially workers who live far away from their workplaces, thereby enhancing work performance and individual’s quality of life. However, the loss of open space potentially causes the shortage of public areas such as parks or local markets.
For these reasons, I believe that it is necessary for governments to pour funds into public transport systems as they offer residents a better means of transit. A bus or tram can transport a large number of people at the same time, leading to the decline in traffic jams and reducing pressures on major routes. Moreover, this measure can also encourage an environmentally-friendly lifestyle by reducing the amount of carbon dioxide emissions per vehicle. The fewer cars and motorcycles there are on the road, the fresher the air becomes. As a result, people can avoid several health problems caused by polluted air, including respiratory diseases, while contributing to a cleaner environment. This measure is beneficial for long-term social sustainability.
In conclusion, while spending more money on motorways can provide many advantages, I believe public transport should be given greater priority due to its benefits in residents’ health and the environment. Instead of focusing solely on one type of infrastructure, governments should invest in both roads and public transports according to society’s needs.