With the growing global population, it’s not surprising to hear about worsening traffic conditions in most cities around the world today. Millions of people waste hours of commute time going to and from work, suffering from old public train cars and unreliable bus schedules in their own city. Instead of spending more hours being productive at work or bonding with family and friends, people are trapped in terrible transportation systems that should be fixed but aren’t.
Public transportation systems are thus essential to any city or town. People constantly move, especially in this day and age of faster and easier communications and multinational businesses. Here are four reasons why efficient public transportation systems matter in the world.
Economic Impact
In Beijing, Los Angeles, New York City, and other major cities where traffic is as common as a coffee shop, the locals experience horrible driving conditions every day. Since these cities are also among the biggest business hubs in the business world, traffic conditions impact the local and global economy. Billions are lost in hours of traffic within a month. More employees receive lesser pay because of attendance issues. On the other hand, fewer work is done with the shorter hours spent actually working.
Lower Costs
In relation to economic impact, efficient public transportation systems involve lower costs when and if they are in fact efficient. In Singapore, South Korea, and Japan, where trains and buses are on schedule, businesses benefit from employees who arrive at the office on time. With train systems, bus routes, and even traffic rules that are beneficial for both the government administration and its populace, everyone benefits and actually produce more and better output in the workplace.
More Road Space
Speaking of train systems, underground railways have proved to be an efficient public transport system as well. Engineers have proven their worth and designed smart underground railway systems in New York, London, Japan, and other major cities, allowing the millions of commuters to come to work on time and not live in fear of missing a train. Since these systems are underground, there’s also more space for motorists on the road.
Road Safety
More road space leads to better road safety. Thousands of motorists and pedestrians figure in vehicular crashes that could otherwise have been avoided if there’s an established system for driving education, traffic schemes, and a general respect for fellow people on the road. Road safety matters, after all.
Efficient public transportation in general allows people who don’t want to drive their own cars to live a safer and happier life. With better train and bus systems, everyone in a city or town will benefit and be more productive.