Luyện theo cấu trúc Cambridge IELTS 10 · Writing Task 2: Free Public Transport

A number of cities have experimented with abolishing bus and train fares altogether and funding their transport networks entirely through taxation. While there are reasonable arguments on both sides, I believe that free public transport, at least in large cities, is a policy worth pursuing.

Those who favour charging fares point out that running a transport system is extremely expensive. If passengers pay nothing, the cost falls on all taxpayers, including people who rarely or never use city buses and trains. Critics also warn that free travel can cause overcrowding, as people who would otherwise walk or cycle short distances simply hop on a bus, and that without fare revenue, operators may have less money to invest in new vehicles and routes.

Supporters, on the other hand, argue that the benefits of free transport extend well beyond passengers. Every driver who leaves their car at home reduces congestion and air pollution, which improves life for everyone in the city. Removing fares also helps low-income households, for whom a daily commute can take up a significant share of their earnings, and it speeds up services, because buses no longer have to wait while drivers sell tickets.

In my view, the second argument is more convincing, provided the change is introduced gradually. The financial cost is real, but so are the hidden costs of traffic jams and poor air quality, which society already pays for through lost working hours and medical treatment. Starting with free travel for students and older people, or on the busiest routes, would allow cities to measure demand and add capacity where it is needed.

In conclusion, although charging fares keeps transport finances simple, making public transport free is likely to bring wider social and environmental benefits that justify the expense.