Selecting the traffic mode

30.5.2006

Argumentation analysis on public transportation

Supporting (+) or contradicting (-) sign appointed to each sub argument is defined in relation to the argument directly above.

Statement: Public transportation is a favorable choice to the passenger

← + Use of professional drivers enhances traffic safety

← + A familiar and reliable mode of transportation

← + “Anonymous” mode of traveling

← + Seen as a part of the urban culture

← + “Willingness to be driven”

← - Ticket fare

← - No maintenance or operating costs associated with a personal car

← + Ticket fares are relatively high to those who use public transportation only occasionally

← - Time expenditure (stops, interchanges)

← - No time needed for parking

← - Some other activities can be undertaken while traveling

← - Inflexibility

← - Public transportation in the Helsinki metropolitan area is rather well organised and easily available (routes, timetables)

← - Cross traffic is somewhat problematic

← - Public transportation is often perceived as a low-status mode of transportation compared to a personal car

← - Environmental values are continuously gaining wider acceptance

← - Public transportation is an inconvenient mode of traveling for shopping or transporting goods

← - Traffic noise and emissions lower the quality and attractiveness of the environment

← - Increasing the proportion of public transportation to personal cars decreases traffic flow and, therefore, the adverse effects originating from it

Statement: Public transportation is a favorable choice to the society

← + Using public transportation promotes better planning of the daily traveling activities and reduces unnecessary trips

← + New regulations and technical improvements are more easily implemented in public transportation vehicles

← + Public transportation is available to all, which improves social equality

← - Ticket fares are too high for some people

← + Society can support the disadvantaged with subsidies

← + The need of parking areas is reduced, and the land can be submitted to a more profitable use

← + Higher utilisation rate increases the benefits arising from the use of public transportation

← - Traffic emissions cause adverse environmental and health effects (particulate matter, CO2)

← - Relatively low emissions compared to the use of personal cars

← - Maintenance and operating costs

← + Societal subsidies

← - Societal cost from the traffic accidents

← - Reduced traffic flow and the use of professional drivers decreases the risk of accidents