As a society, most of us have a love-hate relationship with public transportation. While there are challenges associated with using it, including issues with punctuality, overcrowding, and cleanliness, one cannot deny its benefits, such as cost savings, reducing traffic congestion, and improving air quality.
Imagine a world without public transportation, where everyone had to drive to work simultaneously and spend time searching for parking spots. The amount of time lost in traffic jams and searching for parking spaces would be incredibly significant. Reducing traffic congestion through public transportation improves mobility by reducing delays and slowdowns, allowing individuals to get where they need to go more quickly and efficiently and making it easier to get to work, school, appointments, and other destinations. Additionally, reducing traffic congestion can create a more efficient and effective transportation system overall by reducing wear and tear on infrastructure such as roads and bridges, and making it easier for emergency vehicles to move through traffic, ultimately benefiting everyone who uses it.
Not only does reducing traffic congestion improve mobility but it also leads to significant environmental benefits. Promoting public transportation and reducing the number of cars on the road can notably reduce the amount of pollution emitted, which contributes to air quality and climate change. When cars are stuck in traffic, they emit more pollutants than when they are moving freely, posing serious health risks to those living in affected areas. Therefore, reducing traffic congestion can lead to reduced emissions, improved air quality, and a healthier and more sustainable environment for everyone.
While public transportation solutions can provide significant benefits, there are several challenges that must be addressed in order to implement them effectively. One of the main challenges is limited funding, as it requires significant financial investments from both government and private entities. Socioeconomic obstacles can also pose a challenge, as there may be resistance from residents who are concerned about the impact of public transportation on their neighborhoods or property values. Accessibility concerns can be particularly challenging in areas with limited public transit options, or in areas where public transportation is not integrated with other modes of transportation, such as bike lanes or sidewalks. Addressing these challenges will require a coordinated effort from stakeholders at all levels.
According to a 2019 research, 14% of online retail purchases are done while commuting (Medium). EnRoute seeks to capitalize on this growing trend by taking advantage of this opportunity in the market by offering a rewards program in order to enable users to ride public transportation for free. This incentivizes the use of public transportation, not only allowing users to save money, but also reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality, which in turn can lead to a more sustainable environment.