Moving back from London to Cairo meant that my transport habits have changed from train based to automotive based, and I started to realise why trains are so much better. The advantage of cars, buses, etc… are of course the point to point availability. But if we are strictly speaking about public transport, then the underground kicks ass (When the British RMT is not on strike).
1. Trains are much cleaner. No not inside, for that depends on the people who are on the train, but for the environment. Electric trains use grid electricity which is much cleaner than car engines, while even diesel trains still give you more transport ability (PassengerKm or whatever other unit you want to use) per ton of CO2 emitted.
2. Trains are better for your [mental] health. If you have ever tried driving in Cairo, you would know that driving might cause depression and severe nervous breakdown. As you try to battle the sheer stupidity, selfishness and incomptence of the drivers around you and at the same time try to figure out which drug the urban planner, if exists, was on while planning the road you are driving you ae bound to fry up a neuron or a million. Stress will get you, if the cars don’t as you try to exit your vehicle.
3. Trains are better for the economy. The one time I tried using my laptop while driving, the results were not good. And while I was more succesful reading a book while driving, it’s still not the same as when on a train. So while you are on the train you can get some work done and contribute to the GDP. This means that your country, that you no noubt love so much, will have a lower emission/GDP figure. It can use this number to boast about to other nations who probably couldn’t care less, but you care, right?
So to sum up, trains are cleaner, healthier and more productive. Should you care, write to your urban planner a letter today. Change your country from cars to trains. Your great grand children would thank you should they miraculously ever find out.
