Argumentative Essay Analysis- Deconstruction for Content

Introduction paragraph

Public transportation is a system of group travel accessible for use by the public (Manville & Levine, 2018). Unlike private vehicles, public transportation is managed on pre-established routes with a fixed charge and timetable. It is the backbone of mass transportation systems, especially in densely populated metropolitan areas, including city buses, passenger trains, ferries, and rapid transit (subway/metro/underground) (Wikipedia, 2023). Although public transportation is well-developed in regions like Hong Kong and Tokyo, it is not the case in all the developed countries. In the USA, because people highly depend on private vehicles in suburban areas, crowds like international students have lack of access to essential services and social activities (Islam et al., 2022). Private vehicles cost too much, create unnecessary traffic, and can be harmful to the environment. Therefore, in the essay, I argue that public transportation has multiple advantages for environmental, economic, and resource sustainability, as well as to improve health and equity.

Body paragraph 1

Expanding the use of public transportation helps reduce air pollution, lowering health risks. Cities with high air-polluting particles in the atmosphere can cause health problems (APTA, 2023) such as asthma and lung-related diseases. However, public transportation reduces the number of cars on the street and reduces the release of air pollutants such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides (Gradudenz, 2023). Moreover, studies show private cars produce more pollution per passenger mile than public transportation (Urban Design Lab, 2021). For example, buses emit 75% nitrogen oxides, 10% hydrocarbons, and 20% less carbon monoxide per passenger mile than a vehicle with a single user (National Express, 2017). These statistics show that public transportation is a healthier option compared to private vehicles. In the long term, reduction of pollutants in the air can prevent lung diseases while also creating a relatively clean atmosphere.

Body paragraph 2

Increasing public transportation use is key to reducing traffic congestion. Traffic congestion is one of the most difficult challenges faced by major cities (APTA, 2023; MTS, 2011). It delays travel time and could cause accidents. For instance, if there is an accident on the road, drivers must wait in traffic until the police arrive and clear the road. Consequently, traffic congestion creates a stressful experience for drivers and makes the journey unpredictable and inefficient. Furthermore, since buses and trains can carry more people in much less space than private cars, roads will not be packed with private vehicles carrying fewer passengers. According to a study by Alkheder (2021), public transportation helps to reduce traffic congestion by about 45%, and it gives an alternative and efficient travel option for passengers. Although carpooling may reduce traffic, it is not that popular, as people often care about their personal space and safety. Thus, public transportation helps reduce traffic congestion by offering people a more practical and efficient way to commute.

Body paragraph 3

Public transportation promotes healthier habits and increases the physical exercise of individuals. The level of physical activity per day for people who use public transportation is three times more than for those who use individual automobiles (Sener et al., 2016). _______

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Physical activities help maintain a good level of well-being and prevent health risks caused by sedentary lifestyles. In addition, using public transport gives more opportunities to read a book, relax, or do personal work during the travel time by being away from the frustration and hassle of traffic (Graudenz, 2023). When people drive in traffic, it is easy for them to get mad and stressed about arriving at work on time, and this stress will increase if there are any accidents on the road. Instead, avoiding the stress related to driving and the traffic helps to start a day on a more positive note and arrive at the destination feeling more relaxed and focused.

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Body paragraph 4 – counterargument

One of the counterarguments against public transportation is that it is unsafe because of homeless people  (Reddit, 2021; Gov 1, 2015) and traffic fatalities. However, harassment by homeless people is not a common problem for every public transit, as every homeless person is not a potential criminal (Transit Center, 2021).  I have experienced that, if the homeless cause trouble, the drivers usually deal with the problem. In addition, considering traffic fatalities per mile, public transportation, such as using a public bus, is around sixty times safer than driving a metro is about thirty times safer, and intercity rail is twenty times safer than personal transportation (Schmitt, 2014). Regarding overall safety, public transportation is not bad, and it is good for safe travel with an opportunity to connect with and know all ranges of people.  Some people also argue that public transportation is the cause of the loss of jobs for people like conductors, parking cops, and plenty of others (Gov 1, 2015). However, public transportation systems promote economic development as they help to connect different business links, including suppliers and customers. In addition, every $1 billion investment in public transportation helps to create more than 50,000 jobs and has a 5 to 1 economic return (APTA, 2023). Generally, public transportation provides more jobs and a strong positive economic impact than their absence.

Conclusion paragraph

People may have different opinions about public transportation. However, it is evident that public transportation offers an alternative to driving, a way to make travel easier, and a relief for environmental problems. Public transport is a way more environmentally friendly and efficient for urban areas than the means of individual vehicles. Although it can be difficult for people to stop using their cars, promoting the presence of public transport everywhere is beneficial for everyone. In conclusion, prioritizing public transportation would be one step towards a safer environment, reducing pollution and less traffic congestion as well as for health and equity.

(The sample essay used in this exercise is an “improved” version of a previous ESL1069 student’s work, taken with the student’s permission.)