The reading passage claims that expanding public transportation in cities will help reduce traffic congestion, decrease pollution, and save money for commuters. However, the professor in the lecture challenges these claims by highlighting the drawbacks of investing in public transportation. First, the reading states that increasing public transportation options, such as buses and trains, will help reduce traffic congestion by encouraging people to use alternatives to private cars. However, the professor refutes this claim by explaining that even with more public transportation options, many people still prefer driving their own vehicles for convenience and flexibility. He adds that road space dedicated to buses or railways might even make traffic worse for those who continue to drive. Second, the reading suggests that expanding public transportation will lead to lower pollution levels because fewer cars will be on the road, reducing emissions. In contrast, the professor argues that public transportation itself contributes to pollution, particularly older buses and trains that run on fossil fuels. He explains that unless cities completely switch to eco-friendly transit systems, public transportation will not significantly reduce pollution. Additionally, he mentions that as cities grow, the number of cars may continue to increase regardless of improvements in public transit. Finally, the reading claims that using public transportation is cheaper for commuters than maintaining a private vehicle, making it a financially beneficial option. However, the professor challenges this idea by stating that public transportation systems often require heavy government subsidies. He explains that maintaining and expanding transit networks is costly, and these expenses are often covered by taxpayers, including those who do not use public transportation. Furthermore, he points out that ticket prices may rise over time to cover costs, making public transportation less affordable than the reading suggests. In conclusion, while the reading passage argues that expanding public transportation benefits cities, the professor disagrees. He contends that traffic congestion may not improve, pollution could remain a problem, and the financial burden of public transit systems makes them less practical than the reading implies.