Debate: Free public transportation

Should all public transport be free and paid for by the government?

Background and Context of Debate:

Would free public transport help the environment?

Pro

Free pubilc transport would reduce the number of cars on the road. Global warming is a serious issue and if public transport was free, more people would use it, taking cars off the road. This is good because 1 train could take 2000 cars off the road.

Con

We would need more public transport. Buses, planes, trains etc. all harm the environment, just as cars do. If everyone used public transport, more buses would pollute cities.

Could the government pay for public transport services?

Pro

The Government's job is to provide services. This would be a great service that could be used by everyone. Taxes already pay for health care, schools and roads etc. so why not let taxpayers see the benefits for themselves, in a useful service everyone can use.

The environment would greatly benefit. As well as providing services, the govermnet should look out for the environment. No amount of money is too much to protect the environment.

Con

With the financial crisis, we can't afford to spend more money on something like this.

Would this just put more strain on already poor public transport services?

Pro

Some public transport cities are already terrible; this would just increase the strain. Some public transport netowrks are already crowded and/or unreliable. With increased customers and pressure, these networks wouldn't manage.

Con

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Pro

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Con

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