Introduction


What is public transport?

Public transport, public transportation, public transit or mass transit comprises all transport systems in which the passengers do not travel in their own vehicles.

While it is generally taken to include rail and bus services, wider definitions include scheduled ferries, taxicab services etc — in other words, any system that transports members of the general public.

Public transport is usually regulated as a common carrier and is usually configured to provide scheduled service on fixed routes on a non-reservation basis. The majority of transit passengers are traveling within a local area or region between their homes and places of employment, shopping, or schools.

Why public transport?

Public transport offers many advantages over individual transport modes. It:

• costs less to the community,
• needs less urban space,
• is less energy-intensive,
• pollutes less,
• is the safest mode,
• improves accessibility to jobs, and
• offers mobility for all.

Consult our thematic pages under this section to find out more about all public transport modes, sectors and related themes.