Public Transportation vs. Private Transportation, Essay Example

Individuals who live in large metropolitan areas are well aware of the values of public transportation. Public transportation systems are typically robust networks that involve many busses and trains that help the majority of civilians travel from place to place quickly, efficiently, and cheaply. On the other hand, many commuters believe it is easier for them to utilize private transportation options, which typically require the purchase of an automobile, motorcycle, or bicycle. Private transportation often allows individuals to travel a longer distance and more comfortably, although there is an added expense related to the ownership of these transportation methods.

An example of a city in which many individuals choose to partake in both public transportation and private transportations is New York City. Since this area has five boroughs, it covers a large surface area, which required different commuters to choose the type of transportation that will best suit their needs. Individuals that live within Manhattan typically choose to travel using the public transportation system because the busses and trains available to them help them get quickly from place to place in the city, often helping them avoid the busy traffic on the streets. Even when these individuals wish to travel further to the other boroughs, they are aware that the trains are reliable enough to get them there in a timely manner. One of the major benefits of public transportation in New York City is the price. One trip is only $2.50 independently of where the individual wishes to travel; this means that someone could travel one to 30 miles for the same price. However, public transportation is occasionally a disadvantage because these facilities tend to become crowded during peak hours. Furthermore, there is little room for these individuals to carry additional baggage.

On the other hand, many individuals living within New York City prefer to utilize public transportation. This is usually the case when people need to travel frequently over large distances. For example, if someone lives in the lowermost part of the city in Brooklyn and works in the uppermost part of the city in the Bronx, they would be able to get from one point to another more quickly if they choose to drive. Furthermore, if these individuals need to carry baggage or equipment with them, it is easier to store these materials in the trunk of the car, and there is no need to worry about the personal space of other passengers for this reason. Lastly, driving by car is an advantage because it is more comfortable; drivers are in direct control of the temperature of their environment and they are able to listen to music of their choice at any volume. The major disadvantage of private transportation is its price. Not only do drivers have to pay for their cars, but they also have to pay for gas and tolls. Furthermore, car trips are typically quicker than train rides because they’re more direct, but traffic is unpredictable and could occasionally cause the car trip to take a longer time than the train ride would.

In conclusion, there are both advantages and disadvantages to public and private transportation. The choice that the individual makes should be based on the amount of money they have to spend, the degree to which they are concerned with their comfort, whether they have baggage, and the amount of time it will take for them to reach their destination.