Traffic in Urban Areas (i) Name one city where traffic congestion is a problem - Leaving Cert Geography - Question B - 2015

There are several reasons why traffic congestion occurs in Los Angeles:

1. High Population Density: Los Angeles has a large population which leads to a higher number of vehicles on the road, causing congestion during peak hours.

2. Urban Sprawl: The city is characterized by sprawling neighborhoods which forces residents to rely heavily on cars for commuting, increasing congestion.

3. Limited Public Transportation: The public transport system is not extensive enough, making it inconvenient for many to use alternatives to driving, thus exacerbating traffic congestion.

4. Major Employment Centers: Many people commute to the city for work, particularly in downtown areas, leading to heavy traffic as thousands travel to and from these employment hubs.

5. Road Design and Infrastructure: The road infrastructure in Los Angeles often struggles to accommodate the volume of traffic, with many roads and highways becoming bottlenecks during busy times.

One effective solution to alleviate traffic congestion in Los Angeles is the enhancement of public transportation systems. This could include:

• Expanding Metro Rail Lines: By extending rail lines to underserved areas, more residents would have access to efficient public transport.
• Bus Rapid Transit (BRT): Creating dedicated bus lanes can improve the speed and reliability of bus services, encouraging more people to choose public transit over personal vehicles.
• Incentives for Public Transit Use: Implementing subsidies or discounts for public transport passes can encourage more commuters to use these services, reducing the number of cars on the road.