IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Nowadays, many governments are investing more in public transport, such as buses and trains, rather than in building new roads.
Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
You should write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1:
With the increasing population and demand for new public transport, these days, governments around the world are investing money to add more buses, trams and trains, while the money that goes to build new roads and rail tracks is becoming scarce. Though this investment and development strategy has both merits and drawbacks, in my opinion, the negative aspects outweigh the advantages in the long run.
An obvious advantage of this investment policy is that it solves the immediate problem of increasing demand for public transport. Major cities all around the world have witnessed rapid population growth in recent decades, and the government has to invest in order to increase the number of public transport options to fulfil the soaring demand. Otherwise, public transport facilities will become inaccessible to many, and people will vent their frustration and anger, which might result in chaos, protest and revolt. For instance, when thousands of people in India a few years ago could not find public transport while commuting to schools and offices, they ended up staging a sit-in protest in front of the Ministry of Transport, which ended with conflicts, police intervention and unnecessary casualties.
Among the disadvantages, the primary one is that it is a short-term, ineffective and costly initiative that does not work as a long-term solution. It is not even a viable future solution. Increasing the number of vehicles on the road seems like a patchwork that might work for months, but ultimately will become impractical with the increasing demand of a growing population. Introducing more vehicles will increase the traffic congestion and make people’s commuting more cumbersome and time-consuming. It will also increase the price of necessary goods and further raise inflation. Not investing in new roads and railroads for the sake of buying more buses and trains in a self-sabotaging strategy. For example, many developed nations’ investment strategies for building new roads and introducing metro trains and subways outline that when more roads can support more vehicles and ease goods transportation, it can open new possibilities and connect new cities and towns and create new business opportunities.
In conclusion, considering both the advantages and drawbacks, it is obvious that investing only in buying new buses and trains rather than building new roads has more disadvantages than benefits. Therefore, governments should also invest in constructing new roads and introducing modern transportation systems, like metro rails and subways, which bring long-term benefits.
Model Answer 2:
In recent years, governments in many countries have prioritised investment in public transportation systems like buses, trains and so on rather than expanding road networks. While this approach presents a few drawbacks, I believe the advantages of this strategy are far more substantial and long-lasting.
One significant disadvantage of this policy is the inconvenience faced by citizens who primarily rely on private vehicles. In many countries, especially those with poor public transport systems, people often prefer private cars due to comfort, flexibility, and reliability. Redirecting funds away from road construction can worsen road congestion in the short term, as existing routes may become overcrowded without parallel improvements. Additionally, large-scale investments in buses, trains, and related infrastructure may take years, sometimes even decades, to complete, causing frustration among commuters who do not immediately benefit from these upgrades.
However, the advantages of prioritising public transport investment clearly outweigh the drawbacks. First, well-designed public transport systems significantly reduce traffic congestion. Cities like Singapore and Seoul demonstrate that efficient metro and bus networks can move millions of people quickly, freeing up roads for essential services and reducing overall travel time. Second, public transport is far more environmentally sustainable. Buses, trams, and electric trains, for example, produce far fewer emissions per passenger compared to private cars, helping governments meet climate-change targets and improve urban air quality.
Furthermore, public transportation is far more equitable. When governments invest in affordable and reliable systems, lower-income citizens gain greater access to employment, education, and healthcare. For example, in London, the expansion of the overground network transformed several underdeveloped areas by connecting them to major business districts, boosting economic activity and raising living standards.
In conclusion, while there are short-term disadvantages associated with reducing investment in new roads, the long-term benefits of robust public transport systems outweigh them. Improved mobility, environmental sustainability, and social equity make this approach the more sensible and forward-looking choice.