Public transport is crucial to the livability of any city. Millions of journeys are made by buses, trams and trains weekly. Imagine what would happen if the only transport choice available to a city’s millions of citizens is by car? The answer is chaos. A city without public transport is a city that regularly grinds to a halt.
First of all, Public transport is at least twice as energy efficient as taking private cars; a full car has far less toxic waste as 50 private cars. Whereas a full train provides a greatly reduced amount of pollution than 600 cars.
In addition, the cost of petrol is quickly on the rise. Car payments, gas prices and parking can be a major budget drain. Therefore taking public transport is a much cheaper option. It can be up to four times cheaper than taking a car. This means taking public transport will leave more money for more important things like taking your family on a holiday.
Furthermore, taking public transport is far less stressful. Without having to be constantly focused on driving or wasting time sitting in traffic or looking for an elusive car park, public transport allows time to relax, listen to music, play games, talk to a friend, read a book or get work done.
Public transport can be linked to many health benefits by promoting active lifestyles. By walking or cycling even some of the way to your closest public transport stop or final destination, you can improve your physical fitness. As a result of this, and by avoiding stress that can result from being behind the wheel (due to congestion, directions, etc.), mental health can also be improved.
In conclusion, public transport is a vital part of every city. And it has many benefits including its affordable prices, it benefits the environment and it gives you some time to be alone and relax. Numerous studies have all come to the same conclusion and I personally believe; that public transport is the municipal future.