Traffic Congestion in Atlanta

It is difficult to argue about the key role of transportation in the economic and social development of a nation because good transportation system allows individuals’ and goods’ moving to the places where they are expected. However, as the population in the world, and especially in some of its parts, increases, there is a heated argument regarding possible means of overcoming multiple problems that are connected with transportation infrastructure. In the following paper, the issue of traffic congestion in Atlanta will be addressed in terms of its possible solutions that could be implemented.

The issue of traffic congestion in Atlanta has been arisen because it is one of the fastest growing cities in the United States. The consequences of this problem for the economy of the city and for personal lives of its citizens are very disappointing. Time wasting is the biggest challenge that drivers face on the road in Atlanta from day to day. However, time is one of the most precious commodities in people’s lives. Local people are overly concerned about the reason of the traffic issue, and it is even seen in the most popular themes for local epos: “Atlanta’s epic, daily traffic congestion, and the hapless drivers who grow old as they creep sluggishly from place to place, have long been the fodder for jokes and ridicule” (Grillo, 2009, p. 48). Besides, the environment of the city is also greatly affected by the noise and air pollution that are caused by traffic gems. If the government does not offer an effective salvage for this sad situation, the seriousness of this problem will become much worse.

The argument around the issue of traffic congestion in Atlanta is getting more and more heated; however, all of its parties agree on the fact that the problem requires a multidimensional approach along with urgency in actions (Jeon, Amekudzi & Guensler, 2010).

One of the important measures that can be implemented is expanding MARTA to all the 28 counties in Atlanta as the current situation, when it serves only 2 counties, does not make any changes for the better. Expanding MARTA will especially contribute to the improvement of the situation with traffic congestion in suburban areas.

The other strategy that would significantly improve the situation is the use of road pricing. Introducing and increasing of toll prices during particular hours, while providing low priced mass transit systems for commuters, may discourage drivers to use their personal cars. As a result, the number of drivers on the road will be reduced, and thus, the traffic congestion situation will be improved. The governments of a number of countries in the world including Germany, Poland, the United Kingdom, and many others reported about the excellent results that were achieved by means of the use of road pricing (Jeon et al., 2010).

As a final point, it should be stated that neither of the above-mentioned strategies may solve the issue of congestion in Atlanta unless it is applied in combination with the other one. In addition, the situation in the economy and demography in the region is ever-changing, and because of this reason, the developers of solutions for the transportation infrastructure should keep on working on introducing more and more solutions for the traffic congestion problem in order to be abreast of the ever-changing situation.

References

Grillo, J. (2009). Keeping Georgia Moving. Georgia Trend, 24(6), 48-53.

Jeon, C., Amekudzi, A. A., & Guensler, R. L. (2010). Evaluating Plan Alternatives for

Transportation System Sustainability: Atlanta Metropolitan

Region. International Journal Of Sustainable Transportation, 4(4), 227-247.