The methods of mitigating traffic congestion have been a heated topic of controversy. Some people argue that the construction of larger roads is the answer to the problem while others are of the view that an increase in the number of trains is a more suitable solution. I believe that for the long term, the option to construct railways and subways is a far better measure.
On the one hand, it is argued by some that governmental spending on building larger roads could sustainably address the problem of traffic congestion. Because an increase in road size could reduce the traffic intensity and alleviate traffic congestion on the streets. But larger roads also mean that the citizens are encouraged to purchase more individual vehicles. For instance, traffic jams returned to Delhi’s main streets not long after they were expanded in 2010. In brief, if this solution is implemented, traffic jams would still persist in the long run.
On the other hand, I side with those who believe that rail and subway systems ensure that traffic congestion is properly addressed. Because unlike cars and buses, trains are capable of transporting hundreds of people simultaneously and would meet the transport demand of a vast number of passengers. Moreover, trains do not have to go through intersections and traffic lights, and dedicated lines ensure their travel is hardly interrupted. In other words, trains are always on time. This level of punctuality would encourage people to choose railways and subways as their primary means of transport, and the number of individuals vehicles would decrease. As a result, traffic congestion could be tackled successfully.
To sum up, The existing data provides a concrete foundation to conclude that building more and larger roads is an unsustainable measure, while train and subway lines would be a much more effective solution for the problem of traffic congestion.