The rising levels of congestion and air pollution found in most of the world cities can be attributed directly to the rapidly increasing number of private cars in use. In order to reverse this decline in the quality of life in cities, attempts must be made to encourage people to use their cars less and public transport more. To what extent do you agree with this statement?

Environmental awareness, convenience, attitudinal, financial, logistical,

attitudinal

Suggestion

attitude

,

perspective

,

transportation

, familiarized, sensitize, launched, campaign, disregarded, logistical,

transportation

In a world of increasing environmental awareness, improved public

transport

represents the way of the future.

Although

people do enjoy the convenience and privacy of travelling in their own private vehicles, in my opinion they may choose public

transport

if it fulfils certain conditions. These conditions fall into three broad categories: attitude, financial and logistical. From an attitudinal

perspective

, people must

first

be convinced of the benefits of public

transportation

. An educational or public relations campaign must be launched to sensitize those who might have disregarded

this

possibility before. People should be familiarized with the environmental, social and personal benefits for present and future generations.

This

is one step. From a financial

perspective

, public

transportation

must be a clear and viable benefit to consumers.

In other words

, it must be more affordable than driving to work every day.

For example

, if people know that by using bus and subway, they can save enough money to take a free holiday each year, many more individuals would be persuaded to travel in

this

way.

This

is another critical step. From a logistical

perspective

, public

transportation

should be convenient for commuters. City planners and

transport

officials must ensure that frequent and reliable public

transportation

is available for each citizen. For people to make the habit of travelling by bus or subway, they must know that they will be able to get to various places on time.

Transport

vehicles must be well maintained, subway and bus drivers should be customer-oriented and service must be punctual and efficient.

This

is an additional important step. In conclusion, through a multi-pronged approach, it is possible to increase the use of public

transportation

. City officials and politicians can lead the way by utilizing these forms of

transport

themselves and bringing about change through personal example.

Then

, more citizens will follow suit and we may all hope to live in a cleaner, less polluted environment.