Beijing is faced with an uphill battle to improve deteriorating air quality and alleviate traffic
jams caused by the surge in car use.What is the best way to decrease the number of private
automobiles on the road?In my opinion,developing sustainable public transportation strategies should
be given top priority.Firstly,a well managed and punctual public transportation system makes
commuting and travelling easier and more convenient.One big headache for private car drivers is the
annoying traffic jams.However,some forms of public transport,such as subway,magnetically levitated
train and light rail transit can help commuters and travellers avoid traffic jams,greatly reducing
their time wasted on the road.Furthermore,by taking public transport,people will no longer be
bothered by looking everywhere for a parking place.Therefore,a service oriented and user focused
public transportation system will definitely attract more private car owners,making it possible for
the car owners to keep their cars in the garage and choose public transport.Secondly,public
transport serves as an economic alternative to cars.The Chiese government will provide a total of
1.3 billion yuan to help Beijing's bus companies reduce fares to only 1 yuan per ride.The high oil
price and auto maintenance cost deter car owners from diving their cars.Since public transport is so
cheap,there should be no economic reason to drive a car in the city.In conclusion,public
transportation should be given a strategic position in the city's sustainable development planning
so as to reduce private car use and untimately relieve the city's traffic jams.