The State of Traffic in Atlanta
There has been plenty of talk within the last couple of years regarding the state of traffic in Atlanta from Buckhead to downtown and sometimes Grant Park. Reports indicate that the state of insufferable congestion in Atlanta could have been underestimated. A report by the 2016 Traffic Scorecard showed that Atlanta is not only the fourth worst hit by gridlock in the US, but it also ranks at position nine globally (Caldwell 1). The other cities that have been described to be top in traffic include Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco. The reports thus affirm the need for increased attention on the problem and the formulation of lasting solutions both for short- and the long-term. It is thus worth to analyze the three primary adverse outcomes from the state of congestion in Atlanta and propose a working solution to avoid the wastage of time and destruction of the environment that have been witnessed over time.
Delays and Missed Deadlines
The delays caused by traffic have particularly been notable in Atlanta and has resulted in failed deadline and missed appointments. Whenever the subject of congested roadways comes up, one always thinks of the likely delays that people suffer before they arrive at their destinations. It is worse in Atlanta because it is adverse during specific times of the day. It is argued that "the problem has become so bad in major urban areas that drivers have to plan more than twice as much travel time as they would need to arrive on time in light traffic just to account for the effects of irregular delays such as bad weather, collisions, and construction zones" (Caldwell 1). It is especially adverse during the morning hours when people are headed to work and in the evenings when people are headed home after a frustrating tie at the workplace. For example, reports have indicated that Atlanta drivers spend about 71 hours per person driving on the roads during the peak hours (Green 2). It shows that almost everyone who drives during these hours is affected in some way. It is a problem in many cities, and Atlanta residents have to face the worst delays as they attempt to manoeuvre through the congested roads.
Increased Fuel Consumption and Pollution
The other challenge that has become apparent is related to increased fuel consumption and pollution from vehicles. Motor experts have shown that starting and stopping when one is held up in traffic tends to burn more fuel than when driving at a smooth rate when on an open road network. It means that drivers in the city have to meet the additional fuel consumption costs. For example, the travel 2015 Urban Mobility Scorecard reported that "delays due to traffic congestion caused drivers across the U.S. to waste more than 3 billion gallons of fuel and kept travelers stuck in their cars for nearly 7 billion extra hours – 42 hours per rush-hour commuter" (Caldwell 1). Further, costs have been equated at $1861 when considering both the direct and indirect expenses that have to be addressed because of the emerging problem (Green 2). In fact, pollution has also been found to fall in the same category of increased emissions. It is a real threat when one apprehends the challenge posed by climate change as carbon fuel continue being a menace. The reason for the trend is because the starting and stopping effect leads to air pollution at a higher rate than when in an open highway.
Road Rage and Destruction
Furthermore, the traffic state in Atlanta has resulted in road rage as it is a common problem in many cities leading to additional costs to the government in road repairs. The understanding of road rage is that it is a senseless reaction to traffic when one is driving in a congested area. For instance, there are times when someone is not driving so fast, and another tries to cut in front which could be dangerous to the offender. It often manifests as shouting, intentional tailgating, traffic maneuvers and other offences that could lead to road destruction. A report by Inrix has shown that the need for repairs and bridge improvement due to road rage has necessitated a 10-billion plan (Green 1). Such costs are a challenge for the federal government especially when county governments are already spending billions, promoting the General Assembly to increase state funding. Therefore, the problem of traffic has resulted in road rage with adverse effects on the government as a result of the increased costs related to the destroyed transport infrastructure.
The Solution: Air Traffic Control
The problems in Atlanta have necessitated the need for an urgent solution that will be long-lasting with the use of air traffic control proving the best alternative. It involves the use of ground-based air traffic control systems that direct a moving aircraft on the ground while communicating the state of traffic and offering advice (Gabriela, Irina-Carmen, and Tiberiu Adrian 1). Its implementation will require the integration with an Airbus Design Flight Control Computer that is based on Airbus philosophy. The idea of Airbus t is a better solution to the use of a pilot and that further aids in the final decision-making authority network. The anticipated benefits are that it would significantly reduce the chances of collision that result from road rage because the offenders will be spotted and marked by the radars. It is also advantageous for the road users because there will be reduced congestion and more timely arrival to destinations (U.S. Department of Transportation 1). Thus, the automation complexity that enables surveillance through the use of traffic control would prove effective in Atlanta with massive benefits to the environment, the road users and the government as a whole.
Conclusion
In summary, it is worth outlining that the challenge of traffic in Atlanta is massive and has resulted in inconveniences both to the road users and the federal government. The challenge to the drivers is that they end up being delayed and fail to meet their deadlines on time. A further difficulty has been perceived in the context of the pollution to the environment and wastage of gas with subsequent increased costs. Lastly, traffic in Atlanta causes road rage leading to indiscipline that translates to the destruction of roads and increased repair costs for the government. It necessitates the need for a long-term solution with the alternative of air traffic control in the city requiring a prompt implementation. Overall, it is underscored that considering its high global ranking and adverse effects, the challenge of traffic in Atlanta needs to be given attention both in the present and the future.
Works Cited
Caldwell, Carla. “How Bad Traffic Really Is in Atlanta and the Costs.” Atlanta Business Chronicle (2015): n. pag. Web.
Gabriela, STROE, ANDREI Irina-Carmen, and SALAORU Tiberiu Adrian. “Design of Air Traffic Control Operation System.” Incas Bulletin 9.3 (2017): 105–119. Web.
Green, Josh. “Study: Atlanta Traffic Is Horrific on a Global Scale.” Atlanta Curbed (2017): n. pag. Web.
U.S. Department of Transportation. “FAA’S Management and Maintenance of Air Traffic Control Facilities.” Memorandum (2008): n. pag. Web.
