For a long time, the modernity and advancement of society have been represented by the vehicle sector, more importantly cars. But, it is becoming more and more obvious that a heavy reliance on cars is unsustainable as cities grow and become more crowded. We must prioritise investments in public transportation networks, decrease the number of cars on the road, and develop more effective and sustainable forms of transportation if we want to prevent the harmful consequences of vehicle use. Every journey we take without a car helps a little bit to lessen our carbon footprint.
Pollution
The greatest issue with cars is the air pollution they cause. It is known that cars account for 61% of CO2 emissions in Europe. Climate change and health issues like respiratory and cardiovascular illness are both brought on by air pollution. The quality of the air in major cities, for example, London, could be improved if we could get fewer cars on the road. Public transportation can be very valuable by moving more people and utilising more ecologically friendly technologies, such as electric buses and trains. One of the primary contributors to air pollution, which can result in conditions like asthma and lung cancer, is car emissions and, it is also stated that according to Evening Standard “we’ve gone back to our bad old ways and roads are very congested again, and as a result, pollution has increased, which we know very clearly is not good for people’s health.” Traffic congestion makes moving about challenging, resulting in longer commutes and less time dedicated to production. Since congestion can also reduce happiness and increase stress; it can also be decreased by using public transportation, which is frequently more effective at moving people swiftly and efficiently.
As Public transport can accommodate a numerous number of people, more people will opt for it over cars in the future. This is why investing in public transport is essential. By making it simple and inexpensive to access jobs, public transportation can help the community's economy grow. Those who do this may be able to save money on everyday costs like groceries. In some instances, public transportation might be more economical than a car. It is known that public transportation reduces CO2 emissions by 45% however, there is still work to be done.
The ecology gains greatly from public transportation spending. Public transit may drastically cut emissions, and as mentioned previously, cars are a major source of air pollution. Public transportation can have a smaller negative influence on the environment if money is invested in more environmentally friendly technologies, including electric or hybrid buses and trains. Moreover, having fewer vehicles on the road results in reduced noise pollution, which has major positive effects on health.
Helping communities
By lowering the demand for car-centric infrastructure like expansive parking lots and motorways, public transportation can also contribute to making cities more liveable. This might free up space for alternative uses like bike lanes or green areas, which would enhance the quality of life for locals. As well as bringing in more cycle lanes moving more people in less space which will help reduce congestion. This creates aid in making cities more bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly, and can also promote physical activity and better health results.
It goes without saying that substantial political will and financial resources are needed to invest in public transit. Public transportation networks have frequently been underfunded or neglected, resulting in antiquated, ineffective systems that don't satisfy people's demands. Yet, long-term investments in public transportation can pay off with a better quality of life, faster economic growth, and fewer negative environmental effect. For example, investment towards public transport can help support communities in terms of employment, it gives the unemployed an opportunity to secure a job.
In conclusion, investing in public transit and lowering the number of cars on the road is crucial for building cities that are sustainable and liveable. Public transportation has the potential to drastically reduce air pollution, traffic congestion, and costs while also increasing accessibility for many people in comparison to cars. Many advantages come from investing in public transportation, such as economic development, increased accessibility, and environmental sustainability. We can build more liveable, sustainable, and fair communities if we put public transportation first.