There are several different forms of public transportation services available to transport citizens from one location to another whether it is within the city limits or over greater distances. Like buses, various forms of train systems provide either short- or long-distance travel for passengers. Airplanes are a suitable choice for persons wishing to travel longer distances over land or sea at greater speeds. Public transportation can include any means of transportation a person shares with other members of the general public.
Ships are one of the earliest forms of public transport services and carry passengers from one continent to another. Early wooden ships, powered by sails, evolved into the great cruise liners of today. With the invention of airplanes, ships are used for more recreational purposes such as vacations or holidays. The speed of airplanes makes travel over longer distances more practical, and passengers are able to arrive at their destination within hours or days rather than the weeks it takes to travel by ship.
The industrial revolution brought about the invention of trains as a form of public transportation services. Train tracks cover the length of entire countries and transport passengers from one end to the other. Cities constructed trolleys or electric street car systems for citizens and visitors to travel around. This led to the invention of the mass transit systems of subways, which run below the city through tunnels. Some cities have an elevated train system which runs above city streets on an elevated track.
Buses became an prominent category of public transportation services after the invention of the automobile. Buses transport school children to and from school and are used for the general public as transportation throughout cities. Some cities supply double-decker buses, a bus with seating on a lower and upper level, for tourist or general use. Motor coaches are more luxurious than a typical bus and are capable of transporting individuals over longer distances. Another benefit of a motor coach is it is less expensive than taking an airplane.
Governments and manufactures work closely to make modern public transportation services faster and more efficient. Public transportation is better for the environment and reduces carbon emissions in the air by cutting down on the amount of drivers on the road. It also benefits individuals and families through transportation savings on fuel, automobile insurance, and the cost of vehicles. Cities who build effective public transit system create jobs for citizens.