Government vs Public Good: Public Transportation as a Public Good, Not a Profit Machine

This is another excerpt from one of my assignments/ papers in my Master of Public Administration-Public Policy Classes in 2013.

By: Austin S. Fallah – A True Son of Liberia,  Africa, and the Planet Earth Soil:

Introduction:

At the heart of any thriving society lies the ability of its citizens to move freely and efficiently. The confluence of mobility with accessibility creates an ecosystem conducive to economic growth, social integration, and cultural exchange.

In stark contrast to their developed counterparts, many developing countries view public transportation not as a necessity or public good but as a domain dominated by profit-driven motives.

This assignment paper argues that these developing nations must redefine public transportation, not as an avenue for profit but as a vital public good intrinsic to nation-building, economic development, and enhanced quality of life.

Public transportation and the Public Good:

Public goods, by definition, are commodities or services that provide benefits to all members of a society, often without the ability to exclude non-payers.

Public transportation perfectly fits this description, serving as the veins and arteries of an urban ecosystem.

When operated as a public good, transportation systems are managed to maximize social benefit rather than financial profit.

Public transport becomes a societal investment in efficient mobility, a catalyst for the free flow of labor, goods, and services.

Must be Accessible for All:

Making public transportation accessible to all is not merely an egalitarian dream, but it is a practical model for inclusive growth.

When the populace can move freely, the barriers that hinder the movement of human capital are dismantled.

In developing countries, where socio-economic divides often coincide with geographic disparities, accessible public transportation provides a lifeline to the underserved.

By offering reliable and affordable public transit, a city can ensure that even its lowest-income/downtrodden residents have the opportunity to reach education centers, employment hubs, and healthcare facilities.

This inclusivity fosters social cohesion and offers a semblance of equality in access that can counterbalance systemic inequities.

The Economic Impetus:

Accessible public transportation can be a boon to the economy of developing nations.

The ease of commuting opens up the labor market, allowing individuals to seek employment opportunities beyond their immediate locales.

It can stimulate local business growth as more customers can reach commercial zones, and it can foster tourism by making attractions more reachable.

Furthermore, by providing a conduit for the movement of goods, public transit can invigorate marketplaces, helping goods from rural areas reach urban centers and vice versa catalyzing trade and industry throughout the nation.

The Environmental Imperative:

As developing countries industrialize, the risk of increasing carbon emissions and environmental degradation looms large.

Public transportation offers a greener alternative to a burgeoning fleet of private vehicles and motor vehicles, which are major contributors to urban pollution and traffic congestion.

By investing in mass transit solutions such as buses, trains, and light rail systems, countries can mitigate their environmental footprint, enhance the quality of urban life, and align with global commitments towards sustainability.

Challenges and Mitigations:

The debate over profit versus public good is not without understanding the financial implications.

Public transportation systems require substantial initial investments and ongoing operational costs.

Yet these expenses must be viewed as investments in the economy’s backbone, which will yield returns through enhanced productivity, job creation, and sustainable urban development.

The government’s policies can subsidize these services through taxation, external funding, and public-private partnerships that prioritize public service over profit margins.

Incorporating Technology:

Developing countries have an unprecedented opportunity to leapfrog traditional infrastructure and adopt cutting-edge solutions to improve public transportation.

Innovations in ticketing systems, real-time tracking, and route optimization can enhance the user experience and system efficiency.

By harnessing technology, these nations can build transportation networks that are not only functional and accessible but are also poised to adapt to future challenges.

Conclusion:

Developing countries should see and encourage public transportation as a compelling emblem of the common good.

Its role as an enabler of social mobility, economic opportunity, and environmental sustainability cannot be overstated.

For developing countries, the choice to emphasize public good over private profit in their transportation sectors can mark a bold step toward bridging the gap between their current conditions and their aspirations for development.

By adopting a model of transportation that favors accessibility and inclusiveness, these nations can forge the path to a more connected and dynamic society one where public transportation serves as the lifeblood of progress and the cornerstone of national unity.

As we enter a new age of urbanization and global interdependency, we must champion the fundamental belief that mobility is a right, not a luxury, and certainly not merely an avenue for financial gain.

In doing so, we lay the groundwork for a world where public transportation is not just a means of conveyance but an irrevocable pillar of public good.