Is the government using all taxes collected to fund road maintenance? Decongesting roads can prevent accidents, save lives, reduce pollution from fuel emissions, and make travel faster and more affordable. In the USA, signs at road repairs often say “Your Taxes at Work.” In Delhi, Kejriwal tried a system of odd and even number plates to reduce traffic.
In Singapore, buying a car is very expensive, and new cars can only replace older ones that are taken off the road. Public transport there is excellent and frequent. Offering free rides to women has also had positive effects. In Australian cities, travel on public transport is often free and seen as economical and convenient.
However, in many places, governments and companies favour cars for revenue, even though roads and lighting are often in poor condition compared to the number of vehicles per person or family. Goa has sadly gained a reputation as one of the most dangerous places for accidents. Indian roads and highways are crowded with vehicles and littered with distracting public advertisements, which can be a recipe for disaster. Efficient public transport could be the solution.
