The best way for governments 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?

It is argued that the most effective action from the authority to deal with traffic congestion is opening the public transport with no fees to all residents all the time. While I agree that free public transport could reduce traffic jam, I do not consider that these means of transport should run 24/7.

On the one hand, public transport without any fees could bring a wide range of advantages to make the roads have more space for vehicles. First, devising a totally free bus or subway train would encourage people to use public transport and avoid congestion threat because it can save them a great deal of money paying for gas, parking fees and taxes. Furthermore, positive efforts from the government will also affect citizens to launch their own movements to cut down the number of private cars on the streets such as “Sharing the seats” campaign in recent times.

On the other hand, I disagree that the operation of public transport should be in 24 hours a day, and seven days a week. Firstly, the administration will have to bear an extremely huge burden of costs. For instance, some developing countries often use the official development assistance to invest in immense projects like the construction of subway station. If the government do not have any incomes to offset the expenses, they will face serious problems of public debt. Secondly, driving at night may be dangerous for both drivers and passengers. For example, a sleepy bus driver is not in full possession of his faculties, so accidents will have more chances to be happened.

In conclusion, although I accept that giving public transport freely to inhabitants may restrict traffic congestion, I disagree with the idea that the authorities should allow it to work all the time.