Humanity has come a long way from traveling on horses, and now you can only see them on famous historical Netflix series. Technology opened new avenues of opportunities as we enter the age of globalization and interconnectedness. They call the world a global village now since communication and transportations have never been more accessible in history. While airliners have made inter-continental travel quicker, we also have improved on our local transportation systems. Owning your car just a few decades back was a far-fetched dream, but now everyone seems to have one. While getting a car is much easier now, it is still a considerable investment, and many people prefer to direct their hard-earned money towards something else. Alternatively, they can opt either for bikes or public transportation systems like buses and trams. The government departments run most of the public transportation system, so it is a much more subsidized option than others. However, there are many privately-owned options also available, which are just as cheap.
Why is it so inexpensive? Well, ordering a pizza alone might cost you more than splitting it with your friends; the same phenomenon applies. You must already be aware of the notion of carpooling, where people share a car ride to cut the cost. The choice of your vehicles also has a significant effect on your expense from a car to a minibus. The choice of public transportation also depends on the city you live in and the facilities available there. For instance, if you are in London and looking for a ride to the airport, then either go for carpooling and taxi. Another best option is Minibus Hire London, which is convenient and easy to access. Much like these minibusses, public transportation has several benefits, so why don’t we take a more in-depth look into some of the advantages.
Reduces traffic congestion
Public vehicles, depending upon the size, take up passengers equivalent to many cars in a much smaller space. The fewer cars on the road, the lesser the congestion will be, and that consequently results in quicker transit between your origin and destination. Imagine the amount of time you can save if you do not get stuck in the traffic every day. Collectively, it could save you hours every week, and as they say, time is money.
Helps the environment
An abundance of everything creates problems, and cars are no exception. Scientists are now worried that since the industrial revolution in the mid-19th century, the carbon emission has increased manifolds and raised the earth’s temperature by 1 degree. This phenomenon caused global warming that has disastrous effects on our environment. Scientists are concerned that if the temperature increases by up to 2 degrees or more, the earth might become uninhabitable. So, countries have been making collective efforts such as the Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement to reduce the carbon emission. We can contribute our little bit by opting to travel by public transportation instead of cars that would emit unnecessary carbon into the environment.
Helps the health
Public transportation has fixed stops and can only pick and drop at the designated points. Since not everyone can live close to those stops, you might have to walk in pursuit of your daily commute. People who find very minimal time for exercise will find this activity very healthy. On the contrary, commuting via a car does not provide this privilege. However, this does not mean you should not make a real effort for a healthy lifestyle.
Increases fuel efficiency
Public transportation has a higher per person fuel efficiency relative to cars. According to the US government’s data, public transit saves up to 4.2 billion gallons of gasoline every year. What does that mean? These many gallons of fuels are less burned, which could otherwise have been disastrous for the environment. If one country can save so much, imagine if more people preferred public transportation around the world. The natural resources on earth are also limited, so we must save every gallon of it for future generations.
Time-saving
Apart from reducing traffic congestion saving your time, being a passenger also does an equally excellent job. Instead of having all your senses focused on the driving, you can use a laptop to do something more productive. Let alone laptops, and smartphones have become so advanced that you can do almost anything that was previously only possible with a computer. You could read the news in the morning, keeping yourself updated without sparing specific time for it. Or you could simply read a book and pursue another healthy hobby in a hectic life.
Safety
Public transportation is much safer as compared to a car. Owing to their sizes, they have a sturdy frame and can provide you with better protection in case of an accident. Even research supports these facts, saying that public transportation is ten times safer than personal conveyance. If everyone prefers public transit, there will be fewer cars on the road; that means there is a smaller probability of any mishap.
Makes you independent
Though driving is one of the essential skills in life, not everyone learns how to drive. For people under the age of 18 for whom driving is illegal, it is not even an option. In such cases, the only savior they can look up to for their daily commute is public transportation. Also, if someone offers you a ride, it is better to be on your own instead of asking them again and again for favors. They might provide you with the courtesy, but it will eventually tire them straining your relationship. But don’t worry, public transportation has got your back.
Conclusion
As the number of cars on the roads increases, the highways are not enough to make room for everyone. It is also very bothersome that the cars’ carbon emissions harm the environment and, consequently, the climate. The world realizes the importance of reducing reliance on cars, and one way to do that is through public transportation. It not only saves from the hassle of congestion but also protects your time while providing better safety. It has too many advantages for us to overlook its usage over cars.