Public transportation is essential to every person’s life. It helps connect people to their jobs, families, and communities. According to the National Transit Database, public transportation helps provide more than 10 million jobs across the country. In addition, public transit helps reduce traffic congestion and pollution, making our roads and air cleaner.
In many ways, a country’s transportation system reflects its economy. A well-developed transportation infrastructure indicates that a country is prosperous and has a strong economy. Conversely, a poorly developed transportation system can mean a struggling economy.
Many factors contribute to the development of a country’s transportation system. Here are a few of them.
Government Priority for People
Public transportation systems consist of various modes, including buses, trains, subways, and light rail. All of these modes require significant investment to build and maintain. A government prioritizing public transportation recognizes the importance of investing in its people. Private corporations might chip into building the infrastructures, establishments, or resources, but it remains a national government’s program to ensure its citizens get everything they need. As a result, the government’s priorities will play a vital role in a country’s successful transportation system.
In Singapore, the government has been investing in public transportation for years, and it has become one of the most efficient systems in the world. The Singapore Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) is an excellent example. The SMRT is a clean, safe, and affordable way for Singaporeans to get around the city-state. In addition, the SMRT has helped reduce traffic congestion and pollution. Ngien Hoon Ping, SMRT’s former managing director, said, “The MRT is not just a train service. It is a way of life.”
In contrast, many developing countries do not prioritize public transportation. These countries often have unreliable, dangerous, expensive, poorly designed transportation systems. It can be a barrier to economic development, making it difficult for people to get to work, school, or essential access services.
Investment in Infrastructure
A well-developed transportation system requires a significant investment in infrastructure. It includes building and maintaining roads, bridges, tunnels, railways, and airports. It also includes investing in public vehicles like buses, trains, and subways.
The United States is a country with well-developed transportation infrastructure. The U.S. Federal Highway Administration reports that the government has more than 4 million miles on its highways. In addition, the United States has an extensive network of railways and airports. The country’s investment in transportation infrastructure has contributed to its economic success.
China is another example of a country with a well-developed transportation infrastructure. The Chinese government has invested significantly in railways, highways, and airports. This investment has helped China’s economy increase over the past few decades, helping the country thrive.
One example of a country with a lack of investment in transportation infrastructure is Venezuela. The Venezuelan government has not invested significantly in the country’s roads, railways, or airports. As a result, the country’s transportation system is inefficient and unreliable. This has been a barrier to economic development in Venezuela.
Traffic Congestion Solutions
One of the biggest challenges of transportation systems is managing traffic congestion. Traffic congestion can lead to several problems, including long travel times, higher fuel consumption, and increased pollution.
Governments and transportation agencies have implemented various solutions to the problem of traffic congestion. These solutions include building more roads and expanding public transportation systems.
Building more roads is often seen as a solution to traffic congestion. However, this solution is not always practical. In many cases, building more roads leads to more traffic and more congestion. Expanding public transportation systems is a more effective solution to traffic congestion. This solution helps reduce the number of cars on the road and can be less expensive than building new roads.
Japan is a country that has implemented this solution. The Japanese government has invested in an extensive network of railways and subways. This investment has helped reduce traffic congestion in the country. The Philippines, meanwhile, is known for its “Jeepney” system, a form of public transportation that uses jeeps modified to seat more passengers.
The Bottom Line
A well-developed transportation system is essential for a country’s economic development. A sound transport system can help reduce traffic congestion and pollution, and make it easier for people to get to work, school, or essential access services. A country must invest in transportation infrastructure to have a well-developed transport system.
