In a number of countries, some people think it is necessary to spend large sums of money on constructing new railway lines for very fast trains between cities. Others believe the money should be spent on improving existing public transport. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

In a number of countries, some people think it is necessary to spend large sums of money on constructing new railway lines for very fast trains between cities. Others believe the money should be spent on improving existing public transport.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Ielts Essay High Speed Trains or Public Transport System

The proposal of establishing high speed rail transit system has evoked mixed responses from different schools of thought: one that favors it, and the others who assert that it is more important to modernize existing mass transit networks.  

Introducing high speed rail would make travelling between cities and distant locations, easy and convenient, especially for those who must cover great distances to reach their work. Urban sprawl has made cities not only spill over their outer fringes, due to congestion, but also unaffordable to live. This is pushing people to live away from their work – in suburbs, exurbs and even other towns. Consequently, incrementing the time wasted everyday in travelling. Having high speed rails would render them relief.

High  speed rail transit would help reducing vehicular traffic and pollution. It has been seen that in absence of any credible mode of movement that could guarantee speed and comfort, most elite embrace private conveyance. However, with high speed trains at their disposal, they would be encouraged to switch to this mode, which would consequently, eliminate congestion; and hence pollution. 

Nevertheless, a lobby strongly favors modernization of existing networks of means of mass transit. Why should governments overlook majority interest for the sake of a minority group. Public modes are generally accessed by lower and middle income groups: these provide them with affordable transportation, as  a result, making their lives and financial matters manageable: they do not have to allocate a major part of their budget on travelling. 

On an overall, I personally feel, despite a majority tilting in favor of improving public transportation, high speed rail networks should be considered in a broader perspective. These, once assimilated with the society, could become a mass mode of travelling and offer sustainable transport solutions.