Some experts suggest putting Nowheresville's transportation system in

Question

Some experts suggest putting Nowheresville's transportation system in the hands of private enterprise. These critics of the current system contend that public transportation is inefficient and costly, and that private companies could actually make a profit from the existing system, while at the same time improve the service as a whole.

Which of the following, if true, would best weaken the suggestion?

A The cost of switching from public to private management of the transportation system would be greater than any profit and any gain in service that could be made from a private system.

B Under private management some bus routes with very few passengers will be phased out.

C It would be at least three years before the private companies managing the system would see a profit.

D Managers in the public sector are just as professional and knowledgeable as those in the public sector.

E Experts foresee clashes between management and transit workers becoming more frequent if private firms control the transportation system.

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gioguidi · Answer

The suggestion is that private companies can both profit and improve the service. For opponents to weaken this idea, they would need to show that making the switch to private management would not be worthwhile.
• Option A states that the cost of switching from public to private management would outweigh any profit and service gains.
• This directly undermines the suggestion because if the switching cost is greater than the benefits, then privatizing isn’t a good idea.

The other choices focus on issues like changing routes (B), delay in profit (C), or potential labor clashes (E), which might cause problems but don’t directly address whether the overall benefits would be negated by the switching cost.

Thus, the best answer is (A).

Abhiswarup · Answer

Answer should be A.

Analyzing the options:

A The cost of switching from public to private management of the transportation system would be greater than any profit and any gain in service that could be made from a private system.
Option points out the huge investment one has to make to shift to private system which will be more that any profit and any gain from the service provided. Keep it for now as it weakens the argument of private system making more profit.

B Under private management some bus routes with very few passengers will be phased out. This can't be concluded from passage and it may happen in the private system to improve profit. Eliminate choice.

C It would be at least three years before the private companies managing the system would see a profit. The private system will take some time but will ensure profit from the system. Thus strengthen argument. Eliminate.

D Managers in the public sector are just as professional and knowledgeable as those in the public sector. This option doesn't construe that Private sector will make profit. Eliminate.

E Experts foresee clashes between management and transit workers becoming more frequent if private firms control the transportation system. This doesn't mean private system will not be profitable. Eliminate.

Thus answer should be Statement A.

Dereno · Answer

The only option that stands out is  Option A

The best answer to weaken the suggestion of privatizing Nowheresville's transportation system is A: "The cost of switching from public to private management of the transportation system would be greater than any profit and any gain in service that could be made from a private system."

This answer directly challenges the assumption that privatization would lead to both cost savings and improved service by highlighting that the transition itself might be more costlier than any potential benefits that might occur bcoz of this transition, thereby weakening the argument for privatization.

napolean92728 · Answer

Correct Answer:  A 
 Reason for Choosing A: 
The argument for privatization is based on two key claims: (1) private companies can  make a profit , and (2) they will  improve the service . If the cost of switching to private management  exceeds any potential profit or service improvement , then privatization would  not be beneficial . This directly  undermines  the experts' suggestion by showing that privatization would be a financial burden rather than a solution.

Eliminating Wrong Options:
 B - Under private management some bus routes with very few passengers will be phased out. 
 Why wrong? 
This actually  supports  privatization by showing that private companies will cut inefficient routes to increase profitability. While this might reduce accessibility for some passengers, it does not necessarily undermine the claim that the private sector will  increase efficiency  and  profitability  overall.

C - It would be at least three years before the private companies managing the system would see a profit. 
 Why wrong? 
A delay in profitability does not necessarily mean that privatization is a bad idea. If the private companies  eventually  become profitable and improve service, the experts' argument still holds. Three years is not a dealbreaker if long-term benefits outweigh the short-term costs.

D - Managers in the public sector are just as professional and knowledgeable as those in the private sector. 
 Why wrong? 
Even if public sector managers are  just as competent , that does not mean the public system is  efficient . The argument for privatization is about  systemic efficiency and cost-effectiveness , not just managerial competence. A well-managed  public system can still be inefficient  due to bureaucracy, funding issues, or other structural problems.

E - Experts foresee clashes between management and transit workers becoming more frequent if private firms control the transportation system. 
 Why wrong? 
While labor disputes might be a concern, they do not directly  disprove  the claim that private companies will improve efficiency and make a profit. Labor issues can arise in both  public and private  systems, so this does not strongly weaken the argument for privatization.

Bunuel · Answer

OFFICIAL EXPLANATION

B, C, and D - who cares. They don ́t weaken the suggestion at all. One might conclude that E is the correct answer, because if there are clashes between unions and management that might affect both service and profits. But we don ́t know that - and the benefit from switching to private management might outweigh the cost of these labor problems.  A is the best answer , because it states that the switch to private control would cost more in profits and service than any benefits the change would accrue.

Some experts suggest putting Nowheresville's transportation system in

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