[Problem and Solution] Rising public transportation cost

In some countries, the cost of using public transport is rising rapidly. What are the reasons and what are the solutions?

It is becoming increasingly prohibitive to use public transportation in some nations. Several factors contribute to the increase in public transit cost, and I believe that both the government and the private sector can work hand in hand in order to tackle the negative consequences that may arise from this issue. 

This price increase can be attributed to various factors, prime of which is the scarcity of fuel largely due to wars involving oil-rich nations. With the Western world ramping up sanctions for Russia, a major player in the energy sector, due to its involvement in the Russo-Ukrainian war, many European nations have resorted to other sources for their oil and natural gas. This switch in suppliers increases transportation cost and ultimately the cost of fuel, indirectly causing the public transportation sector to raise their prices. Secondly, due to the effects of inflation, money is losing its value and everything is becoming more expensive, one of which are the parts used for the maintenance of public transit vehicles. Finally, most mass transit programs are subsidized by the government, but with public funding dwindling owing to economic downturns, passengers may ultimately have to bear the extra cost. 

Resolving conflict remains the most imperative course of action if we are to drive down oil prices, as this will not only slash the cost of operating public transportation, but also reduce the overall transportation cost for other industries. With inflation being a challenging macro-economic issue that may take years to alleviate, it would be better if the authority consider a different approach when it comes to tackling this issue, starting with offering monthly passes. In many countries such as Japan or Australia, frequent users of public transport services such as the metro or rail may sign up for 30 or 60-day passes that often offer a 20 to 25% discount compared to paying daily. The huge sums gained from offering such passes can ensure that government institutions collect their returns swiftly to reinvest into other profitable projects, all the while offering citizens a more affordable way to commute. Finally, developing countries such as Vietnam have started to allow investments from private transportation firms into the public system, which generally offer more competitive prices due to their more substantial capital and efficient working practices stemming from years of experience running profitable transportation routes. 

All in all, as it is becoming more and more expensive to commute using public transport, it is vital that initiatives to find peaceful resolution among war torn oil-rich nations be sought, along with the implementation of membership options for riders and investments from privately-owned corporations.