Nowadays, because of modernisation, people tend to use their private vehicles as public transport is unaffordable for many people. This can lead to traffic issues such as traffic congestion. A growing number of people believe that providing free public transport round the clock is an ideal way to solve this problem. I partly agree with this opinion, as this view brings both specific benefits and drawbacks.
On the one hand, offering public transport could reduce traffic congestion significantly, especially during peak hours. When buses, metros, or trains are free of charge, individuals tend to leave their vehicles at home, which lowers the number of personal vehicles on the road. The less usage of private vehicles, the less traffic congestion occurs. This not only supports economic movement but also helps people save travel time. Additionally, supplying free public transport could lower air pollution considerably, as private vehicles are the main cause of air pollution. For instance, Hanoi is known as one of the most polluted cities in the world due to the overuse of private vehicles, highlighting the need for sustainable solutions. Therefore, offering free public transport in major cities not only reduces air pollution but also tackles traffic congestion during rush hours.
On the other hand, although there are several advantages that society could receive by supplying free public transport, it is still an unsustainable idea. The government has to spend a huge amount of money to proceed with this plan, which is not suitable, especially during periods of inflation. There are many social issues that the government has to deal with, and investing in just one problem could lead to a lack of funding in other areas. For example, during urbanisation, to keep up with the development of other nations, the government tends to spend money on fast-growing fields such as automation, artificial intelligence, or agriculture instead of traffic. Moreover, encouraging the use of public transport requires proper infrastructure, such as bicycle or pedestrian lanes, which make these options safer and more attractive.
In conclusion, offering free public transport is a great idea to deal with traffic problems because it helps society reduce both traffic congestion and pollution; however, it should not be seen as the best solution because it is not sustainable.