IELTS Essay # 16 - Some people say that the government should invest in trains and the subway system to prevent traffic congestion in large cities. Others, however, think it should build wider roads. Discuss both views and give your own opinion and examples.

Essay # 16

Some people say that the government should invest in trains and the subway system to prevent traffic congestion in large cities. Others, however, think it should build wider roads. Discuss both views and give your own opinion and examples.

Since the problem of traffic congestions has become widespread, it has become necessary to delve for effective solutions. While some people suggest building wider roads, improving public transportation networks also seems like a functional solution to solve both traffic and pollution problems.

Having wider roads might help reduce congestion, but only initially. Sure the people would have multiple lanes to drive through, making it easier to navigate and reach the destination faster. Also, wide roads mark quite a nice impression of the development of any city. However, as there would be more space on the roads, more people would use it thereby making the problem same as before. Also, during the peak hours, however wide the roads might be, there would be certain places where a traffic jam would be inevitable, even if it is not for as long as it used to be on narrower roads. What we need is a better traffic control system, along with wider roads.

Investing in train and subway constructions on the other hand seems to be an expensive project, no doubt, but has more long term benefits. A train can carry hundreds of people at the same time, and at a faster speed than the vehicles on the roads. This would contribute significantly to lessening the number of vehicles, consequently reducing the air and noise pollution by a great extent. More people would be able to run according to schedule, as they would clock themselves according to the public transportation timings, resulting into having an efficient working pattern.

To conclude, having better train and subway systems in the city would be a better solution than building wider roads. An effective public transportation system ensures smooth functioning of a city.

(286 words)