Public Transportation

Bus rapid transit is a transportation system that uses buses but operates more like a train or subway to provide faster and more reliable service. It usually has dedicated lanes on roads, which helps buses avoid traffic delays. Stations are designed for quick boarding, and buses may have priority at traffic signals to reduce waiting times. The system is often used in cities to improve public transportation by offering a more efficient and affordable alternative to trains or traditional buses.

An electric bus is a type of bus powered by electricity instead of gasoline or diesel. It uses a battery or overhead wires to run, making it quieter and reducing air pollution. Many cities use electric buses to improve public transportation while lowering harmful gases. These buses can be charged at stations or while in operation, depending on the design. Since they do not rely on fuel engines, they help reduce dependence on fossil fuels and contribute to cleaner urban environments.

A minicoach is a small bus designed to carry fewer passengers than a full-sized coach. It is often used for group travel, such as tours, business trips, or shuttle services. Minicoaches usually have comfortable seating, air conditioning, and storage space for luggage. They are smaller than standard buses, making them easier to maneuver on narrow roads while still providing a smooth and convenient ride. Many minicoaches are used by private companies, schools, or hotels to transport people over short or medium distances.

A trolleybus is a type of electric bus that runs on city streets, powered by electricity supplied through overhead wires. Unlike regular buses, which rely on fuel, trolleybuses have two poles on the roof that connect to the wires, providing the power needed for the vehicle to move. They are quieter and produce less pollution than traditional buses. Trolleybuses are commonly used in cities with the necessary overhead wiring system, providing an efficient and environmentally friendly way to transport passengers over short to medium distances.

A trackless trolley is an electric vehicle that operates on city streets, similar to a bus, but is powered by electricity from overhead wires. It has tires, which allow it to move along regular roads, making it more flexible than vehicles that rely on tracks. The trolley connects to the overhead wires with poles on its roof, providing the energy needed to run. Trackless trolleys are used in some cities to offer an eco-friendly transportation option, helping reduce air pollution while offering a smooth and reliable ride for passengers.

A land train is a type of vehicle made up of a series of connected carriages, similar to a train, but designed to travel on roads rather than tracks. It is often used in areas with large tourist attractions, such as theme parks or coastal regions, to transport passengers over short distances. The land train is usually powered by an engine at the front, with multiple carriages pulled behind it. It is a convenient and fun way to move groups of people around, offering a unique experience while being more flexible than traditional trains.

An airport bus is a type of bus that transports passengers between airports and various locations, such as city centers, hotels, or transport hubs. These buses are designed to carry people and their luggage to and from the airport quickly and comfortably. Airport buses often operate on fixed routes and schedules, making them a convenient and affordable travel option for those flying. They can be used by both local passengers and visitors, offering a reliable way to reach the airport or leave it without the need for a private car or taxi.

A single-decker is a type of bus or coach that has only one level for passengers. It is designed to carry people on the main floor, without the additional space found on double-decker buses. Single-deckers are commonly used for public transportation, school routes, and short-distance travel, offering a simpler, more compact design compared to double-deckers. They are easier to navigate on narrow roads and can be more cost-effective to operate. Many cities use single-deckers for bus routes with fewer passengers or in areas where space is limited.

A rail replacement bus service is a temporary bus service that replaces regular train services when the train line is closed or disrupted. This can happen due to maintenance, repairs, or emergencies. The buses follow a route that is similar to the train line, allowing passengers to continue their journey despite the train service being unavailable. Rail replacement bus services are often provided by transportation companies to ensure that commuters and travelers still have a way to reach their destinations without significant delays.

A cycle rickshaw is a small, human-powered vehicle used for transporting passengers, usually in busy cities or tourist areas. It consists of a tricycle with a small carriage attached at the back where passengers sit. The rickshaw is pedaled by the driver to move the vehicle along the road. Cycle rickshaws are an eco-friendly and inexpensive way to travel short distances, often providing a pleasant and comfortable ride for tourists or people in crowded areas. They are particularly common in some Asian cities and other regions with high pedestrian traffic.

A street running train is a type of train that operates on tracks located within city streets, rather than on separate railway lines. These trains often share space with cars, buses, and pedestrians, making them an important form of public transportation in some urban areas. Street running trains are typically used for local passenger services or goods delivery in areas where building separate tracks would be difficult or too expensive. They help reduce traffic and provide efficient travel or delivery options while offering a unique solution to transportation challenges in busy cities.

Mass transit refers to a public transportation system designed to move large numbers of people efficiently within a city or region. It includes buses, trains, subways, trams, and ferries that follow set routes and schedules. Mass transit is intended to provide an affordable, convenient, and environmentally friendly way for people to travel, reducing traffic and the need for private vehicles. It is often used by commuters, tourists, and residents to get to work, school, or other destinations without the high costs or environmental impact of driving.

Rapid transit refers to a public transportation system that operates quickly and efficiently, usually in urban areas, with vehicles such as trains or subways. These systems are designed to transport large numbers of people over short to medium distances, often on separate tracks or underground routes to avoid traffic. Rapid transit is known for its speed, reliability, and frequent service, making it a popular choice for commuters and travelers. It helps reduce travel time compared to other forms of public transportation, offering a fast and convenient way to move around busy cities.

Light rail transit is a public transportation system that uses small trains or trolleys to carry passengers over shorter distances, typically within cities or large towns. These vehicles run on tracks, either above ground or in tunnels, and are lighter and smaller than traditional trains. Light rail systems are designed to be faster and more efficient than buses, providing quick, frequent service with stops at stations along the route. Light rail is a convenient, environmentally friendly travel option that helps reduce traffic and provides a reliable means of transportation for urban commuters.

Park and ride is a transportation system that allows people to park their cars at a designated parking area, usually located near a train station, bus stop, or other public transportation station. From there, passengers can continue their journey by public transportation, such as a bus or train, to their destination. This system is designed to reduce traffic in busy areas by encouraging commuters to leave their cars in less crowded locations and use public transit for the remainder of their trip. Park and ride is a convenient and eco-friendly option for those who want to avoid driving through busy city streets.

A bus lane is a designated lane on a road reserved for buses, allowing them to travel more quickly and avoid traffic. These lanes are usually marked with signs or road markings to indicate that they are for buses only, though in some cases, other vehicles may be allowed to use them during certain times or conditions. Bus lanes help improve the efficiency and reliability of public transportation, especially in busy areas, by giving buses a clear path and reducing delays caused by traffic. They are commonly found in cities to support public transit and make travel easier for commuters.

A transitway is a special lane or route reserved for public transportation vehicles, such as buses or light rail, to travel more efficiently and avoid regular traffic. It is usually separated from regular roads or highways, giving transit vehicles a clear and fast path to their destinations. Transitways are designed to improve the speed and reliability of public transport, especially during peak travel times, by reducing delays caused by heavy traffic. They are often found in urban areas, where high volumes of passengers rely on public transportation to get around.

A shuttle is a type of transportation service that regularly moves passengers back and forth between two locations, often on a short route. Shuttles are typically smaller vehicles, such as buses or vans, that run on a fixed schedule, making frequent trips throughout the day. They are commonly used to transport people to and from airports, hotels, or other busy areas where public transportation might not be as convenient. Shuttles are designed to provide an easy, affordable way for passengers to travel short distances.

A bus station is a place where multiple buses start and finish their journeys, especially those traveling between towns or cities. It serves as a main point for buses to arrive and depart, and is usually equipped with facilities like waiting areas, ticket offices, and signs showing schedules and routes. Bus stations are often located in busy areas to make it easier for passengers to travel to different destinations.

A request stop is a bus stop where passengers can ask the driver to stop, rather than having a scheduled stop at that location. This means that a bus will only stop at a request stop if someone on board wants to get off, or if a waiting passenger signals the driver to board. Request stops are often located in less busy areas or along routes with fewer passengers. They help ensure that buses only stop when needed, making the journey more efficient.

Peak hour is a time of day when the demand for public transportation or road travel is highest, typically due to people commuting to or from work, school, or other activities. This period usually occurs in the morning and late afternoon or evening. During peak hour, buses, trains, and roads are often crowded, leading to longer waiting times and slower travel. It is a common time for traffic in urban areas, as many people are traveling at the same time.

A transfer is a type of ticket that allows a passenger to switch from one form of transportation to another without having to pay for a new ticket. For example, it may let someone travel on a bus and then continue their journey on a train, all for the same fare. Transfers make it easier for passengers to use different types of transport, like buses, trains, or trams, during their journey. The transfer usually has a time limit, meaning the person must switch vehicles within a certain period.

A season ticket is a pass that provides unlimited access to a series of events, games, or public transportation services over a set period, like a month or a year. It is usually more affordable than buying individual tickets for each event or trip. Season tickets are ideal for people who frequently attend events or use transport, offering them convenience and savings. These tickets are often used for regular commutes, sports seasons, or entertainment, giving holders a way to enjoy multiple experiences without purchasing new tickets each time.

A bus pass is a type of ticket that allows a person to use the bus for travel over a certain period, such as a week, month, or year. It typically provides unlimited rides within that time frame, making it a cost-effective option for people who use the bus regularly. Bus passes are often issued in card form, and passengers can simply show the pass to board the bus. They are commonly used by daily commuters, students, and seniors to save money on transportation costs.

A hold-up is a delay or interruption that stops something from continuing or progressing as planned. It can happen in various situations, such as when a process is slowed down due to an obstacle or an unexpected issue. For example, a hold-up can occur in traffic when cars are stuck, or in a project when something causes work to stop temporarily. This type of delay can make things take longer to complete or cause a pause in the usual flow of events.

Dwell time refers to the amount of time a vehicle, such as a bus, train, or plane, stays at a stop or station before continuing on its journey. It includes the time passengers take to get on or off, and any other activities, like loading or unloading cargo. Short dwell times are important for maintaining schedules and avoiding delays, while longer dwell times may be needed in busy stations or when handling large groups of passengers. Managing dwell time helps ensure that transportation services run smoothly and on time.

Level of service refers to the overall quality and performance of a service, whether it is public transportation, retail, or any other type of service. It evaluates how well the service meets the needs and expectations of users, focusing on aspects such as efficiency, reliability, comfort, and accessibility. A higher level of service typically means that customers or users experience fewer issues, quicker responses, and greater satisfaction. This measure helps organizations assess their performance and make improvements to better meet customer needs.