The Advantages of Public Transport
The sharp increase in gas prices has forced consumers to economize
and find ways to save money. One way to reduce costs is to consider
public transportation. Public transportation is accessible in most
communities. Public transportation is a sound alternative to driving.
Public transportation, also known as public transport, public transit
or mass transit, is passenger transportation for the general public.
This is in sharp contrast with the private use of automobiles to
commute. Public transportation is a wide industry that includes buses,
subways, trolleys, light rails, commuter trains, monorails, ferries and
water taxis. Mass transit is provided by a company or authority that
operates a fleet of vehicles. The infrastructure (for example, the
tracks) may or may not be exclusively used by the company or authority.
Private companies may also use the same infrastructure. An example of
this is Amtrak uses the same tracks as the Boston subway system
nicknamed the T.
The advantages of public transit are many. One benefit of public
transportation is that it is much safer than the highway systems. Public
transportation systems are also significantly safer than private road
systems. In terms of safety, no other mode of transportation can quickly
evacuate millions of people quickly in the case of disaster.
Public transportation yields savings in cost and in environmental
impact. The cost savings for a person using public transportation is
substantial. A recent report by the American Public Transportation
Association’s (APTA) report informs that $8,481 per year can be saved by
a person riding public transportation. The environmental effect is
diminished due to less use of energy and land area.
The success stories of public transportation have occurred around the
world. Tokyo, Japan has the most multifaceted public transportation
systems in the world. It utilizes light rail, subway, ferry, and bus.
10.6 billion is the number of entire trips done in the city. Public
transportation is truly a success in Tokyo. New York City, United States
(NYC) is noted for having the largest subway system in the world when
measured by tracks. NYC also incorporates various forms of
transportation modes successfully. They include subway, trains, buses,
ferries, pedestrian and bicycle pathways. More half of the population
does not own cars. Public transportation use is prevalent in NYC.
London, England has the oldest subway system nicknamed the Tube that
transports 3 million people a day. London, famous for the red double
decker business, also has an extensive light rail system. The Paris
Metro in France has excellent coverage with most stations within 500
meters. Bicycling is an alternative mode of transportation in Paris.
Finally, the Moscow Metro in Russia is well-known for its efficiency,
speed and beauty. The subway system carries 8.2 million passengers.
Every station in Moscow presents exquisite ornate architecture that is
museum quality.
Mass transit is an effective mode of transportation that it
economical and safe. Public transportation can be in the form of a
subway system, a light rail system, buses, ferries, and others. It is an
alternative to driving and the high costs of fuel.
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