The best way for government to solve the problem of traffic congestion is providing free public transport in 24 hours per day and seven days a week. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

With the unprecedented growth of population, many regions, especially big cities, now have to deal with traffic jam. While some suggest supplying public transport hourly and daily without charge, I do not believe this is the best way to reduce congestion.

Providing free public transport in 24 hours per day, and seven days a week may be a waste of time and money. More specifically, it is evident that congestion does not occur during the whole day, but only during certain hours of a day. As a result, public transport provided when it is not rush hour seems extravagant because not many passengers use them. Besides, it will possibly be costly to allow everyone to use public transport at government's expense when there still exists the shortage of budget for education refinement and medical services. Therefore, the situation could be exacerbated is a public transport system which works all the time is supported.

There are many other solutions which have been proven more effective in mitigating congestion. Notable among them is the construction and improvement of transport system including road and railway system. This action might help to broaden space for drivers as well as save time for commuters who live far from the workplace, thereby preventing traffic jam. In addition, governments should implement the policies which encourage companies to move to rural areas instead of concentrating on municipal ones. This considerable change not only reduces the traffic flow but also, to some extent, promises the equal development of economy between different regions in a country.

For the foregoing discussions, it is my view that free public transport in 24 hours per day and seven days a week, albeit beneficial, is not the best way for governments to address congestion.