Public transportation
- This article is about local travel. For information on long-distance trains and buses, see Rail travel and Bus travel. For rail transportation systems which are an attraction in their own right, See urban rail adventures.
Public transportation is a system of scheduled passenger transportation that allows for strangers travelling together on the same route in the same vehicle. In big cities it is often provided by buses, different rail systems (such as metro, commuter rail and trams), and it may be provided also by funiculars, monorail, ferries and other more unusual modes of transport.
Depending on the country, commuter rail can be virtually identical to longer-distance trains while mostly fulfilling an urban rail role. Ticketing can be integrated with railways (e.g. in Germany), with other local and regional transport, or separate (e.g. in most of the U.S.).
While comfort and reliability vary a lot, in Europe and East Asia, it is usually the most practical way to get around in large cities.
UnderstandAn advanced city is not one where even the poor use cars, but rather one where even the rich use public transport.
Types of public transportationPublic transportation is provided by many types of vehicles. Each of these methods is used in some cities, and it is fairly common for a single city to combine several.
Get inTo ride public transport, you usually need a ticket. Sometimes you need to validate it separately. Where to buy it and how to validate it varies.
See) have many historical stations that are masterpieces of architecture and design in their own right.
DoSome rapid transit systems are well known for buskers or more formally organized performances.
Stay safeTraveling via public transportation is a practical and economical way to navigate cities and towns. Unfortunately, there remains a slight risk of encountering criminal activities during your journey.
RespectEtiquette for public transit systems varies from system to system.
Articles on public transit systemsWikivoyage has articles on specific transportation systems or transport in individual regions, such as:
Other optionsOther options, such as cycling, taxis or guided tours may provide more comfort or flexibility.
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Public transportation" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0