Public transport is a vital part of every modern city. It allows people to get around without owning a car and can help reduce traffic congestion and air pollution. According to Statista, there are more than 3.78 billion public transport users worldwide.
Public transport is important for several reasons.
- It provides mobility for people who cannot or do not want to drive. This includes people who are too young, too old or disabled to drive, as well as people who choose not to drive for environmental or financial reasons.
- It reduces traffic jams and air pollution. Public transport can carry many more people than cars, so it is a more efficient way of moving people. This can help reduce congestion and improve air quality.
- It is more affordable than owning and driving a car. Public transport is often subsidized by the government, making it more accessible to people on low incomes.
- It can help create a fairer society. Public transport allows people to live and work in different parts of the city, regardless of income or access to a car. This can help create a more diverse and inclusive community.
In addition to the above benefits, public transport can also help boost the economy, create jobs and attract businesses and tourists.
Although every city in the world has its own public transport network, some are better than others, with more extensive networks, more frequent services and more reliable vehicles. According to William Russell’s Global Transportation Index, these are the 5 cities with the best public transportation systems:
- Paris
- Stockholm
- Hong Kong
- New York
- Oslo
The Global Transport Index states that Paris has the best public transport in the world with an average fare of £1.85.
Source: Extra
1. Paris
Source: Travel Triangle
Paris is known for its romantic atmosphere, world-class museums and iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower. But what many people may not know is that Paris also has an excellent public transport system.
Paris scored the highest in the index with a score of 10 out of 10. This is due to a number of factors, including:
- Extensive network: Paris has a comprehensive public transport network that includes the metro, buses and commuter trains. This makes it easy to get anywhere in the city quickly and easily.
- Frequent transport: The public transport system in Paris is very frequent, with trains and buses running every few minutes. This means you never have to wait long for a ride.
- Affordable prices: Public transport in Paris is very affordable, with an average fare of just £1.85. This is relatively cheap considering that the cost of living in Paris is among the highest in the world.
In addition to its traditional public transport options, Paris also has many new innovative mobility options, such as electric scooters. Ten electric scooters are available in Paris, including Lime, Bird, Bot, Wind, Tier, Flash, Hive, Voi, Dott and Uber’s new Jump. These scooters are a great way to get around town quickly and easily, especially if you’re on a budget.
2. Stockholm
Source: Time Out
Stockholm, Sweden, is one of the most environmentally friendly cities in Europe, thanks to its commitment to public transport and electric vehicles. The city is working towards the ambitious goal of becoming fossil fuel-free by 2040.
Stockholm has a densely populated city center, but its public transport system makes it easy for everyone to get around. The city has more bus stops per 100,000 inhabitants than any other city on the list, and it also operates many public transport vehicles. This means that most neighborhoods in the city are easily accessible to both tourists and residents.
In addition to an extensive public transportation system, Stockholm is also home to an increasing number of electric vehicles. Sweden has made significant progress in electric mobility in recent years and now has more electric vehicles per 100,000 people than any other country in Europe.
3. Hong Kong
Source: Trexplorer
Hong Kong ranked third in the Global Transportation Index with a score of 8.82 out of 10. The city’s public transportation system is known for its efficiency and affordability.
Commuters in Hong Kong rely heavily on the city’s rail system, which is reliable and extensive. The rail system is not available 24/7, but it is still the most popular way to get around the city.
Hong Kong also has an extensive bus network, as well as ferries, trams and taxis. The city’s public transport prices are very affordable, with a one-way ticket costing just £1.22.
Although electric scooters are banned in Hong Kong, there are many other ways to get around the city. Residents and tourists alike can choose from a variety of transportation options, including taxis, ferries, trains, buses, and trams.
Hong Kong also has a high number of electric vehicles per 100,000 people, with nearly 59,000 electric vehicles per 100,000 people.
4. New York
Source: Arhitekta newspaper
New York is ranked fourth on the list, with a score of 8.24 out of 10. The city’s public transportation system is known for its comprehensiveness and affordability.
New York has the most subway routes of any city compared on the list. There are 28 routes that pass through the city. The subway system is also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This makes it a convenient option for people who work or travel at night.
For the price of £2.20 ($2.75 USD), you can use the subway system throughout the city and transfer to other subway lines as many times as you need. This is a very affordable price, especially considering the cost of living in New York.
5. Oslo
Source: Life in Norway
Oslo, the capital of Norway, has a score of 7.65 out of 10. The city is strongly committed to public transport and electric vehicles. Oslo’s public transport system is efficient and affordable, with a one-way ticket costing £2.99. The city metro system has 5 lines and is currently being expanded.
Norway has seen a significant increase in electric car sales in recent years, and Oslo has one of the highest concentrations of electric vehicles in the world. The Norwegian government supports the electric vehicle industry by waiving import duties and car registration fees for electric vehicles.
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Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education