For many people, local public transportation is the best option for travel. Many areas, especially large metropolitan areas, have a few public transportation systems, including buses and taxis. Local trains also run in some areas, either above the ground or below it. Taxis and ferries may also be available to residents of certain cities.
Buses are typically the most common type of local public transportation. These large vehicles can carry dozens of passengers around local towns and neighborhoods. Buses can be found in most cities and large towns around the world. Although it is typically inexpensive to ride on a bus of this sort, these vehicles will also make frequent stops. Many riders avoid them for this reason, since their commute is longer on a bus than other types of transportation.
Trains are typically a must faster option for public transportation users. These large vehicles can often carry more passengers than a bus, and they will typically make fewer stops. Using this type of local public transportation, however, may be a little more expensive than riding a bus. Trains are also usually found in very large cities, like New York City or Washington, DC.
Underground trains are more commonly known as subways, and these run on tracks placed in tunnels under the ground. Some cities may also have elevated trains, which may be part of a subway system, as part of the local transportation systems. Trams or trolleys may also be available in some areas, and these train cars run on designated rails that are built right into the local streets.
Taxicabs are another popular type of local public transportation. Sometimes simply called taxis or cabs, these vehicles travel around cities to pick up passengers. They then drop the passengers off at their desired destinations.
Most taxicab drivers turn on a meter when a passenger gets into the vehicle. This meter is used to charge the passenger, depending on how long he is in the vehicle. Some taxicab services charge by the minute, while others charge by the mile. In many cities, this is one of the most expensive forms of local public transportation, but it is also the most private.
Ferries, or water buses, are common forms of local public transportation in areas surrounded by or next to large bodies of water. These large boats are capable of transporting passengers across large bodies of water. Some ferries are also large enough to hold several vehicles as well.