As the problem of traffic jams in modern cities increase, there is an ongoing debate about whether public transport should be permanently free of charge to reduce road congestion. I partly support this view because with the reduction in costs people could change their attitude towards public transport. However public transportation system should be more convenient, safe and comfortable for travellers.
One of these reasons is lower expenses. When all means of public transport, like trams, buses, metro and trains, are fare-free, it could encourage people to give up cars in favor of public transport services. This helps to reduce number of vehicles in cities. For instance, in Luxembourg government provides people with free-of-charge transportation system, which is why habitants prefer to use it instead of cars. Without this opportunity it could be very difficult to change people’s attitude towards usage of mass transit.
Another important point is the convenience of public transportation system. When traveling by public transport is unpredictable because of delays and takes twice longer than driving by vehicle people don’t see any benefits of this. For example, in Norway trams are always in time, which make people sure they won’t be late. Investing resources in development of convenient system of public transportation could encourage more people to travel around cities by means of mass transit. On top of that, modernisation of trams, buses and trains is essential, as well as keeping them clean and comfortable.
In conclusion, I concur on the notion that providing people with free public transport could encourage more people to use it, which could contribute to reduction in traffic congestion, meanwhile investing in modernisation and keeping all means of public transportation system is essential.