Public transport

Public transport is trains, trams, buses, and other passenger transport available for use by the public.

Range of the term

There is no universally-accepted definition of the term. The main forms of public transport are rail-based services (such as trains and trams) and buses, but in some places ferries are also significant. Taxis are sometimes included, especially where they provide shared-ride services. Services by air and sea, other than ferries, are not normally included in the term. Neither are long-distant rail and bus services often included. The term tends to be used of services within a city or town, or between nearby cities and towns.

Alternative terms

Alternative and closely-related terms include Mass transit, public transportation, mass transportation, and rapid transit.

Public transport providers

Public transport may be provided by privately-owned operators, governments, or a combination of the two, and which is the case has often changed over time.

In Melbourne, Australia, for example, public transport service was originally provided by private companies, but these were later taken over by the state government, usually when the private operators got into financial difficulties. The government also greatly expanded the rail system. Although the original tram operators were private companies, the tram network was greatly expanded by municipal councils providing services, but the state government subsequently took over all these operators. Many bus services were provided by private companies, but under government regulation, although the state government also owned and operated some bus services itself. In the late 1990s, the government contracted with private operators to operate the railway and tram systems, although these remained under government ownership and control.

Advantages and disadvantages of public transport

Public transport offers a number of advantages over private transport (mainly cars), but private transport also has some advantages over public transport.

Advantages

Public transport provides transport to almost anybody, including people too young to drive or with disabilities that prevent them driving or make it difficult to drive.