LIANG GE HAO Class: 4/2
Public transport has helped Singaporeans travel through Singapore with ease and haste. However, although there are multiple advantages of using public transport, there are downsides as well. Not only are they cheap and efficient, but there is also a wide range of public transport, this is definitely a plus, but due to insensitive users, the different vehicles used are often dirty and unhygienic, as well as uncomfortable to be at times.
An advantage of using public tra nsport is that it covers a lot of the island’s surface and covers them quite efficiently. For example, it would take at most two hours to travel from one side of the country to the other via the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT). This is a quality that many other countries lack which allow Singaporeans to travel without a car.
Conversely, there are certain users of public transport who are insensitive and cross. These people typically disobey the rules of using public transport such as eating or drinking in the vehicle, causing strong odours to linger in the vehicle or cabin. They could also be unconcerned with the people they are sharing the common place with and talk loudly, be inconsiderate when sitting, or deliberately vandalise and dirty the area. However, these are rare occurrences but there is still a possibility of running into these unaccommodating people.
Moreover, the cheap cost of travelling with public transport us definitely a positive edge as to travel vast distances such as from the East of Singapore to the West can cost as little as three dollars. This helps majority of the problem as owning a car is quite expensive in Singapore and can be quite a hassle due to maintenance and repairs. Likewise, there are some who cannot own a car. This is where public transport comes in as a much cheaper alternative for travelling which helped them save money.
However, some people might be willing to spend more for the comfort of owning their own vehicles as public transport can get dirty and worn down when more people use them. It could also be inconvenient if the user is unable to stand for a long period of time as the vehicle can often be filled to the brim during peak hours. These reasons could deter people from using public transport and cause them to find alternatives instead.
In the long run, although there are unfavourable conditions when using public transport, these problems can easily be neglected if everyone plays a part and is sensitive to their surroundings and the people they are sharing the transport vehicle with. Even though it is impossible for everyone to be mindful, the instances when you come across those who are unobliging is unlikely. Thus, due to the low-cost and travel time, public transport is definitely justified.
Writers by the River 