TRandom8

Should governments invest more money into rebuilding streets & highways or more on public transport (e.g. subways, buses etc.).

Nowadays the budget of the government is often limited and there needs to be a decision whether to invest in one or another project.
If you have to get to work on a daily basis you will recognize the bad condition of highways and other streets. The question is, would you rather spend the limited budget on highways or public transport?
In my opinion there are several reasons for spending the money on the public transport.
First of all, a investment in public transport will benefit more people as people using the highways. Not only the main population lives in or nearby large cities the percentage of affected people is higher, but also the usage of transportation is different. If you live in a bigger city like myself, you will be mobile mainly through using the bus or the underground. Taking a car especially during the rush-hour could be a very bad idea.
Another reason for improving the public transport, is the more environmental friendly usage of energy. Especially during the last months concerning the nuclear debate in Germany it is even more important to lower our energy expenses.
Finally the highways in our country are still good enough and better than many roads in other countries. As i visited Finland last summer, i recognized that only the highways are solid roads. Whenever you leave the main road, you will find yourself on a unpaved road. Compared to the condition there our infrastructure is ways ahead.
In conclusion there are several reasons to invest the limited budget in the public transport instead of improving the bad condition of some roads. Especially as the number of people benefiting will be a lot higher and the nature will have a benefit as well.