Traffic congestion is one primary problem facing most of the world’s biggest towns, a case that is common in most United States cities for example, Washington D.C. This is because, with increased populations and changing world’s economic status, most individuals opt for private transport it being more convenient.
Although this may be the case, most individuals forget that, the ever-increasing number of private cars is the primary problem not only to the transport sector, but also to most urban planners, because of the congestion caused by such numerous numbers of cars. Washington D.C. is one of the world’s busiest cities faced by the traffic congestion problem, because of the numerous numbers of workers moving in and out f the city daily, in addition to the numerous global summits and meetings held in the city year in year out.
In addition, to the numerous number of individuals and diplomats driving in and out of the city daily, accidents are also great contributors to escalating traffic problem hence, the need for formulation of practical solutions to the problem; solutions that will have an immediate and lasting impact to the problem.
It is important to note that, in addition to thousands of dollars wasted every year in terms of time wastage, fuel used in traffic, and delays in consignment deliveries, traffic is one primary causer of stress and deaths of most highway police officers, making hence, the need for a quick intervention.
Although the government has introduced the mass transit transport system to ferry people in and out of the city using trains; a system that allows individuals to park their cars out of the city and use a common train system to access Washington D.C., there is little the intervention has achieved.
This is because, most individuals prefer using their private cars, a fact attributed to the train system’s inability to access some specific working zones with Washington D.C. Failure by these and more measures to ease the traffic problem makes it necessary for introduction of better ways of dealing with this problem; measures that are practical with immediate results.
Most government’s initiatives to alleviate the problem have failed, because most of them need long implementation periods. One of such initiatives is the construction of the inter-country connector (ICC).
Although a good idea, it is crucial to note that, it is not only an expensive endeavor, but also it is a project needs a lot of time for its completion. In addition to such long periods required to achieve this initiative, the entire concept faces a lot of antagonism from most environmental support groups; hence, making it necessary for formulation of more convenient and practical solutions.
To alleviate the congestion problem, there is need for development of a transport system that will be able to accommodate the ever-increasing density of populations moving in and out of the city. On practical solution to the problem is the extension of all subways in the city to reach most populated residential areas and working zones; for such extensions will provide a convenient transport method comfortable to all individuals.
It is important t note that, although within the town there exist a number of buses that transport people around the city, most individuals do not prefer them, because they take more time to reach required destinations; hence, extension of subways to all remote areas is the only way of alleviating such problems.
Although most individuals detest using buses in travelling within the city, it is important to note that, largely the bus transport system has contributed greatly in solving the problem, it being an alternative means of transport. Therefore, considering the role played by these buses as far reduction of traffic is concerned, there is need for individuals to use them in addition to other transport options for example, rail transport.
The use of such alternative transport systems not only reduces the congestion problem, but they help in reducing other problems associated with private transport, for example, pollution and fuel wastage. In addition to alternative transport, there is need for the government to build more alternative routes, routes that will help in diverting traffic major highways, for example, the Baltimore Road, which is a primary traffic-diverting road from interstate 270, and route 202.
Another practical solution to this problem is sharing of private vehicles with friends or people hailing from same zones. This is the only solution to individuals who must drive, for it provides not only a mechanism of reducing fuel expenses, but also it gives one an added advantage of using roads reserved for cars with more than one commuter, for example, the Dulles Toad road, and most HOV tracks.
In addition to extension of subways, use of alternative routes and sharing of private cars, adoption of working schedules such as telecommuting by organizations can help to solve traffic problems. Telecommuting can help to ease the traffic problem, for it will grant individuals flexible working schedules from their homes hence, limit movements.
It is important to not that, very few organizations have adopted this form of work schedule hence, the need for the federal government to adopt policies that will ensure organizations implement this working system, as a remedy to time wasted in traffic.
In conclusion, it is important to note that, to completely eliminate the traffic congestion problem, there is need for all individuals to combine efforts in alleviating the problem. This is because; the success of the government’s initiatives to solve the problem depends on individuals’ readiness to adhere to the set road usage rules and regulations.