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.
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| 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.
