Discussion on The Problem of Rising Traffic Congestion

Rising traffic congestion is an inescapable condition in large and growing metropolitan areas across the world, from Los Angeles to Tokyo, from Cairo to Malaysia. Peak-hour traffic congestion is an inherent result of the way modern societies operate. It stems from the widespread desires of people to pursue certain goals that inevitably overload existing roads and transit systems every day. But everyone hates traffic congestion, and it keeps getting worse, in spite of attempted remedies (Bernard 2009).

Commuters are often frustrated by policymakers” inability to do anything about the problem, which poses a significant public policy challenge. Although governments may never be able to eliminate road congestion, there are several ways cities and states can move to curb it. (Caryn 2006)

Traffic congestion is not primarily a problem, but rather the solution to our basic mobility problem, which is that too many people want to move at the same times each day. Why? Because efficient operation of both the economy and school systems requires that people work, go to school, and even run errands during about the same hours so they can interact with each other. That basic requirement cannot be altered without crippling our economy and society. The same problem exists in every major metropolitan area in the world. (Caryn 2016)

In Malaysia, the vast majority of people seeking to move during rush hours use private automotive vehicles, for two reasons. One is that most Malaysians reside in low-density areas that public transit cannot efficiently serve. The second is that privately-owned vehicles are more comfortable, faster, more private, more convenient in trip timing, and more flexible for doing multiple tasks on one trip than almost any form of public transit. As household incomes rise around the world, more and more people shift from slower, less expensive modes of movement to privately owned cars and trucks.

You can cut down on your time spent with your car idling in slow traffic by driving when there are less vehicles out on the road. Try to schedule trips to the bank and errands such as the grocery shopping during afternoon hours, before or after the lunch rush, and later in the evenings after workers get home (Andrea 2016)

More people are making cross country moves to obtain better jobs or be closer to family members. If you are moving yourself and your family, you may be wondering how to get all your vehicles to your new home. Sometimes you just cannot avoid the rush hour traffic and the congestion. However, you can contribute less traffic on the road by carpooling. Carpooling is a great way to get to and from work. You will not always have to drive, which reduces stress, and each person can take turns driving. This saves on the wear-and-tear to your vehicle and car maintenance costs. Carpooling also promotes better traffic flow and less air emissions in the environment. (Klopfer 2016)

Thank you for your attention and I hope you have a good day ahead.