Should Australian Government Fund More to Develop Public Transport

Should Australian Government Fund More to Develop Public Transport?

Introduction

The Australian government should fund projects that focus on public transport development and improvement. Over the years the country’s transport system has developed leaning more on private means of transportation. Though at first this was an appealing development it has become a matter of concern because of the uncontrollable increase in congestion resulting from over population of both people and automobiles. Moreover, the country has urbanized intensely over the years (Turnbull, 2005). Consequently, this has increased the distribution of automobiles across the country. The importance of an improved public transport system in Australia is remarkably essential more so because of the dynamic changes in the society. These changes entail environmental changes, industrialization and population growth among other aspects. Changes in the society have led to many alterations, developments and occurrence of new phenomena that demand infrastructure changes, particularly, in public transportation. Another factor significantly contributing to the transport problem is a lack of budgetary priority and planning strategies for transport (Laird, 2001). The main factors to be considered in relation to public transport improvement include increased traffic jam, environmental pollution and increased cost of fuel and gas. Failure to address these issues will eventually cripple a majority of functions in the country.

Counter Argument

Despite the dire need for an expansion and improvement in the transport system some analysts emphasize on the insignificance of investing in the public transport sector. Their arguments are mainly founded on the health issues facing a majority of the people. According to the analysts other problems such as health issues are more demanding compared to transport and mobility problems (Turnbull, 2005). The health problem in Australia more so among the aboriginal and marginalized individuals is notable and should be addressed. However, addressing health issues in the country does not call for neglect of other equally demanding needs. Moreover, development of the public transport system would have a constructive impact not only on the economic market but also on the health sector. This is the case because availability of affordable, fast and reliable transport would enhance people’s access to medical services and provision of medical services in marginalized areas. The analysts also emphasize on the importance of formulating and implementing economic systems that would address the issue of unemployment and high costs of living in the country.

The increase in traffic jam across the states in the country is one main problem that has been accelerating over time. Traffic jam increase is practically present in all states across Australia with some states like Victoria and Perth being severely affected (Newton, 2008). This problem has been realized because of dynamic changes in population, ownership of automobile and poor planning of transport infrastructure. The population growth in the country has rapidly increased over the past decade thus contributing to the problem of congestion. In addition, the higher the population the higher the number of automobile owned. An increase in automobile accompanied by a lack of expansion and development of transport networks results to congestion on the highways. Traffic jams not only waste time but are also very expensive with a negative impact on the economy. The expense associated with traffic jams results from reduced productivity and inefficiencies for instant in transportation of inputs and supplies. These inefficiencies also reduce the competitiveness of the country as a whole in the international market (Newton, 2008). Development and improvement of public transport in the country would remarkably aid in reducing congestion on the roads. However, this can only be achieved if the different players including the population at large cooperate and contribute to the realization of change.

High levels of air pollution particularly carbon pollution in the environment is another major problem in the country. The high percentage of automobile ownership and highway congestion are major culprits for environmental pollution. Gaseous emissions from automobiles resulting from fuel combustion highly pollute the air leading to environmental degradation over time. Air pollution in the country has increased at an alarming rate because of increased industrialization and mobility (McManus, 2004). A high percentage of residents own private automobiles, which are used in almost all cases. Moreover, a significant number of families own more than one family car. The need of every individual to own a car and putting into consideration company cars has contributed to the startling congestion and air pollution. In particular, carbon congestion is a major environment hazard especially in large cities across the country. Air pollution and inhalation of hazardous gases is almost always accompanied by increased disease preference in the population. Some illnesses associated with this pollution entail asthma attacks, cancers, and allergies. Moreover, air pollution affects vegetative growth and pollutes the soil through precipitation. Increased use of public transport would significantly aid in reducing the number of automobiles in use. Consequently, this reduction would control and minimize air and carbon pollution in the environment.

The country’s expense on fuel and gas is an alarming factor. Moreover, the rising cost of these products worsens the drift in the country’s budgetary allocation. Australia is currently one of the heavy fuel and gas consumers, which is as a result of the intensive demand from the economy (Laird, 2001). The high rate of industrialization and modernization in the country provides a lucrative market for fuel and gas as sources of energy. Approximately 90 percent of vehicles and machinery used in the country are dependent on fuel and gas for energy. A consideration of the high use of automobile in the country also exemplifies on the cause for high consumption of fuel (Gregory, 2008). The cost of living in the country is also relatively high and a high fuel and gas expense worsens the situation. The expenses incurred in relation to transport can be controlled by promoting increased use of public transport. Use of public transport for instance railway and road transport significantly reduces the number of vehicles in use (Argy, 2005). Consequently the reduction of the number of vehicles in use reduces the overall expenses of the country both at an individual and national level.

Conclusion

The need to invest in public transport in Australia is highly creditable and necessary. Use of public transport significantly reduces the number of automobiles in use on the roads (Laird, 2001). This, in turn, reduces congestion, excessive fuel expenditure and environment pollution. In particular, Australia would benefit a lot from an increase in the use of public transport because the country faces a major problem of automobile congestion. A high percentage of individuals living in Australia own private mobiles ranking the country as one of the top nations with severe congestion and traffic jam problems (Argy, 2005). Collaboration between the government, that is the state and local governments, and the public in reducing congestion would aid in elimination of transport problems. Moreover, the government should allocate sufficient funds to cater for the development and expansion of public transport systems.

References

Argy, F., & Mead, M. (2005). The Australian economy: recent performance and future challenges. Melbourne, CEDA.

Gregory, R. G., & Butlin, N. G. (2008). Recovery from the depression: Australia and the world economy in the 1930s. Cambridge, Cambridge University Press.

Laird, P. (2001). Back on track: rethinking transport policy in Australia and New Zealand. Sydney, NSW, Univ. of NSW Press.

Mcmanus, P. (2004). Vortex cities to sustainable cities: Australia’s urban challenge. Sydney, University of New South Wales Press.

Newton, Peter. (2008). Transitions Pathways Towards Sustainable Urban Development in Australia. Csiro.

Turnbull, K. F. (2005). Performance measures to improve transportation systems: summary of the second national conference. National Academy Press, Washington, D.C.