It is often argued that governments should spend more on public transport instead of building new roads. This essay will discuss both sides of the argument. In my opinion the priority is reasonable, although it depends on how the existing network is used.
Investment in buses and trains moves a very big number of people for far less money than a new lane of asphalt. A single tram line in my city carries as many commuters each hour as three lanes of traffic, and pollution falls when drivers leave the car at home.
On the other hand, roads remain necessary for deliveries and for rural households. A balanced budget is therefore better than a complete switch, and the government should decide each project by looking at the number of people it serves.