INVESTING ON ROADS, HIGHWAYS AND PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION.

Photo credit: Bridgette Owusu-Ansah

           In this modern society, governments are always confronted with the dilemma of whether to spend more money on improving roads and highways and public transportation systems. This problem is a much debated one in the sense that it affects everyone in the society in one way or another in their daily lives. It is then quite rational for people in a society to choose investment on better roads and highways for the obvious reason that better road conditions would increase more public vehicles and accelerate the speed of them. If  a government however finds itself in the stage of defining its priorities, it should consider that there are many advantages in investing on roads and highways.

         The most important advantages of investment on roads and highways include higher potential for the transportation of goods, reduction in costs related to problems caused by low quality roads and a notable effect on the thriving of the whole region and the country in general. If governments invest on roads and highways, the quality and quantity of roads and highways in their various countries will increase. This will in turn improve the transportation of goods in regions which will eventually result in the booming of the economy and thus higher income for the government.

Photo credit: Bridgette Owusu-Ansah

         Furthermore problems such as accidents and gradual damages to vehicles that are caused by low quality roads and highways will be reduced. Roads and highways will now be safer and fewer damages will be caused to vehicles and drivers. Finally a country with vast number of high quality roads and highways is more apt to prosperity. This is because there will be more opportunities for the people of the country to have access to various resources. Hence if the system is organised and managed well, it can lead to greater development in a country

           However there are also many advantages in investment in public transport facilities. A well designed and managed public transportation system can reduce traffic congestion in cities. Less traffic problems means the less air and noise pollutions and can provide people in the society with a better physical and mental health. In addition, prosperous public transport can save valuable time that is otherwise wasted in heavy traffic. Investing in public transport facilities can also lower the huge amount of costs consumed on private vehicles including fuel, service and insurance costs.

Photo credit: Bridgette Owusu-Ansah