We’re always in a hurry to get somewhere, so we prize places that have the infrastructure to make that happen. And while most cities have some type of system to get you from point A to point B, some do it much better than others. If you’re a foreigner, it may take some time to figure out the map, regardless of how great the system is. In no particular order, here are some of the best public transportation systems in the world.
Paris, France
You’ve got your Métro (subway), the RER commuter train, buses, and the tram system. It’s no wonder that the Paris has one of the most heavily trafficked public transportation systems in the world, as its subway alone carries 4.5 million people each day. It also boasts stations closer to one another than any other system, with 245 subway stations per 41 square kilometers. The city was never truly designed for cars (and why would you want to be packed in a car the size of a microwave anyway?) and its lack of design seems to be working – only an estimated 10 percent of trips around Paris are in cars. The only major downfall is that French workers are occasionally known to strike, in which case you’ll need to grab your walking shoes.
London, England
London’s Tube is the oldest subway system in the world and carries more than 3.4 million people each day. Although locals lament the frequent delays, the sheer range of the system lands it on this list – AND it has WiFi coverage over the entire network! In addition to the subway, London offers buses, a light rail, and ferries across the Thames River. But stay on your toes while riding the Tube. The subway car doors are notoriously strong and won’t hesitate to trap your arm in there.
New York City, U.S.
Looking at a map of the New York City subway system for the first time can strike fear in the heart of the hardiest traveler, but its enormous range is a blessing once you understand it. More than 5 million people use the subway each day across its 460 stations, and the trains run 24/7 to truly make N.Y.C. a city that never sleeps. More than half of New Yorkers don’t own a car (and those who do are usually the uber-wealthy or live in the outer boroughs.) Efforts by the city to clean up the grime from the subways in recent years has made a real difference.
Hong Kong, China
With the largest population in the world, China has its work cut out in order to make public transportation a viable option for its millions of citizens. Hong Kong is a prime example of this, as 90 percent of travel in the city is done through its mass transit railway, boasting 7 million riders daily. Travelers pay using an “Octopus Card,” which also works as a charge card for non-transit locations such as stores and restaurants. The trains are known to run on time come hell or high water (or, more likely, nearly opaque smog), and have an excellent safety record. Plus the system has 3G network coverage throughout – not too shabby!
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen’s metro network is fully automated (meaning no drivers to cause delays for bathroom and smoke breaks), and runs 24 hours a day. The metro is fully connected to S-trains that bring in travelers from the suburbs and outer regions, and is renowned for its cleanliness and reliability, similar to much of Danish culture. But what’s even cooler than the metro is Copenhagen’s urban bike-sharing program – just pop in a quarter to unlock a bike, ride it across town, park it in another zone and get your quarter back.
Berlin, Germany
Germans are known for their strict adherence to a schedule, and the Berlin subway system, or U-Bahn, is no exception. Covering 146 kilometers through 173 stations, the U-Bahn offers mobile phone network coverage through all of its tracks (including tunnels and stations, which seems incredible if you’ve ever been on the New York City subway) and has rarely reported any types of accidents. It also served as a symbol of the reunification of Germany. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, the U-Bahn systems of East and West Germany were reconnected, and travel around the country eased tremendously.
Curitiba, Brazil
Although it’s definitely not the biggest in the world, Curitiba’s public transportation system makes the list for its commitment to simplicity. With one price for all tickets, buses run in dedicated lanes, and each stop has its own shelter. Not to mention that an incredible 85 percent of the population uses this network – an impressive feat for any city – and helps keep transportation pollution to a minimum. It is a model bus rapid transit system, and its affordability and reliability (buses sometimes run as often as every 90 seconds) makes Curitiba an extremely livable city.
Taipei, Taiwan
Taipei’s Metro has been ranked No.1 international repeatedly for safety, reliability, and quality, which makes sense when you learn that it is also one of the most expensive systems in the world. Consisting of 97 stations and more than 70 miles of track, it is Taiwan’s first metro system and is used by nearly 2 million passengers daily. It is also credited with alleviating traffic congestion and pollution in the city, as well as spurring urban regeneration by connecting the city’s tourist population to outlying cities such as Tamsui. Boasting LED screens with train times in multiple languages, air-conditioned trains and stations, and high cleanliness standards, the Taipei MRT seems to know what it’s doing.
Tokyo, Japan
With light rail lines, bus networks, and an extensive subway system, Tokyo’s mass transit serves millions of riders each day – in fact, the subway system alone is the most used in the world, averaging more than 8 million passengers a day. Unsurprisingly, it offers high-tech displays of train times and user-friendly directions, and is kept remarkably clean. To up the stakes even further, Tokyo’s subway is reliable and timely, has a very high safety rating, and has heated seats. That is, if you’re able to get one. Trains are usually stuffed to the rafters during rush hour.
Seoul, South Korea
Covering 930 kilometers, Seoul’s Metro Subway is a close second to Japan’s, also carrying approximately 8 million passengers each day. It is known for its efficiency, affordability, and cleanliness, as well as being user friendly to those that are unfamiliar with it. It offers announcements in Korean as well as English to ease travel for visitors, as well as WiFi coverage throughout the entire network. But the coolest part is probably the robots – in every station, there are robots to help passengers find information. If for nothing else, Seoul wins on that alone.
