Beijing is faced with an uphill battle to improve deteriorating air quality and alleviate traffic jams caused by the surge in car use. What is the best way to decrease the number of private automobiles on the road? In my opinion, developing sustainable public transportation strategies should be given top priority.
Firstly, a well-managed and punctual public transportation system makes commuting and travelling easier and more convenient. One big headache for private car drivers is the annoying traffic jams. However, some forms of public transport, such as subway, magnetically levitated train4 and light rail transit can help commuters and travellers avoid traffic jams, greatly reducing their time wasted on the road. Furthermore, by taking public transport, people will no longer be bothered by looking everywhere for a parking place. Therefore, a service-oriented and user-focused public transportation system will definitely attract more private car owners, making it possible for the car owners to keep their cars in the garage and choose public transport. Secondly, public transport serves as an economic alternative to cars. The Chinese government will provide a total of l.3 billion yuan to help Beijing's bus companies reduce fares to only l yuan per ride. The high oil price and auto maintenance cost deter car owners from driving their cars. Since public transport is so cheap, there should be no economic reason to drive a car in the city.
In conclusion, public transportation should be given a strategic position in the city's sustainable development planning so as to reduce private car use and ultimately relieve the city's traffic jams.
