IELTS Essay Topic #2 Transport

Traffic Problems

  • Traffic congestion is caused by commuters travelling to work
  • Most people live in the suburbs outside city center
  • Commuters tend to travel at the same time of day
  • They tend to travel alone
  • Cars and road space are not used efficiently
  • This causes traffic jams during the rush hour

Traffic Solutions

  • In order to reduce traffic we should change our working habits
  • The internet can now be used to connect people
  • More people could work from home
  • Meetings can be held as video conferences
  • Workers could be given flexible timetables
  • Another solution would be to tax drivers
  • Workers should share their cars and travel together
  • In London, for example, there is a congestion charge
  • This helps to raise money for better public transport
  • Public transport needs to be reliable and efficient

Positives of Public Transport

  • We need to reduce our dependence on cars
  • Parking a car can be extremely difficult in big cities
  • Well-designed transport systems are comfortable and convenient
  • Modern public transport can be fast and cheap
  • Public transport can help to reduce pollution in cities
  • Investment in buses and trains will ease traffic congestion
  • Buses can be given special lanes to avoid traffic

Negatives of Public Transport

  • Public transport if often slow and unreliable
  • Metro systems and trains are often dirty and crowded
  • People feel like sardines in a can
  • Cars are much more comfortable

Road Safety

  • Driving while tired or drunk is extremely dangerous
  • Mobile phones can be a dangerous distraction for drivers
  • They draw the driver’s attention away from the road
  • The use of phones while driving has been banned in many countries
  • Punishments are becoming stricter
  • Television campaigns are used to remind people to drive safely
  • Speed cameras have become more common
  • Speed bumps are another form of traffic calming
  • Many streets are designed with the aim of slowing traffic down