Melbourne’s decision-makers have been debating for quite some time whether public transport or private transportation are superior. Their decisions are constantly influenced by factors such as cost, efficiency and flexibility. This affects not only the general public but also the commuters who plan their journeys in Melbourne. Melbourne has a vast public transportation system, which includes many types of transport. However, the two most popular types are trams and trains. Private transport is usually limited to private companies or personal transport like Uber or Lyft. Both public and private modes of transport have advantages and drawbacks when it comes down to efficiency, safety, and cost.
Public transportation is an effective, but not always convenient way for commuters and tourists to reach their destinations. It is more efficient to use public transport than cars or pedestrians because it avoids traffic. The trains and trams are timed to maximize efficiency. Timetables that are not flexible often clash with the personal schedules of commuters. They must account for travel time and waiting times, while also calculating the exact time they will depart.
Public Transport Victoria estimates that as of September 2019, metropolitan trains were on time 89.9% of the time, and metro trams 86.3% of the time (both figures are based on data from September 2019). Statistics for reliability are much higher. In September 2019, reliability of metro trains was 98.4%. For metropolitan trams, it was around 97.9%. The reliability and punctuality can have an impact on commuters. They may choose to use private transport or other means of transportation. Inflexible timetables are less of a hindrance to commuters with the increase in population and increased congestion on roads.
MYKI card holders can also use the system to save money on their daily commutes to and fro certain destinations (Public Transport Victoria). MYKI offers a cost saving option to commuters, as they can use the card for public transportation multiple times per day and only pay $8.80. The trams are free in certain zones around Melbourne.
A network expansion plan is in place to increase the system capacity. The plan currently in place allows for more people using the system, which will increase the peak capacity. This plan will improve “connections to light rail and busses, and extend the network to other areas not served by suburban rail at the moment” (Barrow). The network plan is a way to take a more innovative and creative approach in order to prevent an increase in vehicle and pedestrian traffic (Barrow 2013).
Despite the fact that public transport is cheaper and more efficient, there are still safety concerns. The reason for this is that public transports tend to be used more and more by people. This concern was expressed.
To ensure safety and continuous operation of the network, maintenance and replacement operations are carried out regularly on the tracks. Unplanned activities can be costly and result in poor service. The track should be checked and, if it is degrading beyond a certain limit, scheduled maintenance should be performed before it fails” (Moridpour, Hesami, 2015.
It is important to plan ahead and allocate time, as tracks wear out over time. However, the exact time when they will break down is not known. The average commuter could be at risk if planning and costing are not taken into consideration (Moridpour, Hesami 2015).
Private transport has different advantages and disadvantages for commuters. Public transport is more cost-effective than private transport, as cars incur additional costs. As the owner of the vehicle uses it more often, the costs associated with maintenance, gas, insurance, and parking increase (Vishwanath Arun, 2015). Uber, for example, charges a base fare plus an additional fee to transport the user to his destination. This can make public transport more expensive (Uber). Private transport can be expensive, which could encourage consumers to opt for more affordable options like public transport.
Private transport can cost more than public transportation but some consumers prefer it. A commuter, for example, can make many stops in a car on the way to his destination (Currie & Delbosc 2010, 2010). It is clear that if the complexity of trip chains continues to rise, public transportation will be affected as more people rely upon their own cars to meet their travel needs. The number of bus stops is directly related to the reduction in public transportation. Nevertheless, due to projected population increases the convenience of using public transport may be affected by increased traffic patterns.
Uber and Lyft can provide a more comfortable, convenient, and affordable alternative to public transportation. Uber and Lyft offer many customized options to meet the needs of their users. Uber’s app allows you to choose the size car for an extra passenger or for a more comfortable ride. Uber offers premium options for users looking for a luxurious experience. Uber also offers a wheelchair-accessible Uber, which allows handicapped people to have private transportation options. Due to the growing population, private transport firms may not be affected as dramatically by this growth. For instance, if someone has to arrive at a place or time at which they have set a schedule, a personal car may be the better option.
Private transport users, just like those who use public transport, are also subject to the same safety risks when they use their own vehicle or a private form of transport. They can be at risk for car malfunctions and driver errors. Other drivers can cause accidents, even if the driver is cautious and careful.
Australians who travel by private vehicle in Melbourne account for around 75% of the total. Public transport accounts for around 15%, and another 10% are on another form of transport (Vishwanath Arun, 2015). These percentages differ in different parts Melbourne. In the outer city, around 85% of people travel by private vehicle, and only 10% take public transit. The remaining 5% use other modes of transportation. (Vishwanath Arun (2015). These percentages differ greatly from those of inner-city users of transport. In Australia, only 43% use private transport, while 30% use public transportation, leaving 27% using another mode of transport (Vishwanath Arun, 2015.
In total, both public transport and private transportation have their own advantages and disadvantages. This is based on individual preferences and comfort levels. Public transport is more affordable and more convenient, while private transportation may seem more comfortable. Public transport is more convenient, but it can also be argued to be more cost effective and efficient. Traveling on public or private transport has its advantages and drawbacks. The superior mode of transportation is dependent on both the projected growth of the population and individual preferences.
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