Signification
A system of vehicles like buses and trains for general public use.
Contexte culturel
In London, public transport is synonymous with 'The Tube' (the Underground). It is one of the oldest and most extensive systems in the world. People rarely drive in central London because of the 'Congestion Charge'. Public transport is famous for its extreme punctuality. If a train is late, the company provides 'delay certificates' for passengers to show their bosses. Silence is expected on trains; talking on the phone is considered very rude. Outside of major cities like New York, Chicago, or San Francisco, public transport is often less developed. Many Americans rely heavily on cars, and using the bus can sometimes be seen as a sign of lower social status in smaller towns. Public transport is perfectly integrated with cycling. Most train stations have massive underground bike parks. The 'OV-chipkaart' is a single card used for all buses, trams, and trains nationwide. The system is highly organized but can be confusing for beginners due to the different zones and types of trains (S-Bahn, U-Bahn, RE). There are often no ticket barriers; instead, 'controllers' in plain clothes check tickets randomly. The MTR is one of the most profitable and efficient systems in the world. The 'Octopus Card' used for public transport can also be used to pay at convenience stores and vending machines.
Use 'take'
The most natural verb to use is 'take'. Say 'I take public transport' rather than 'I go with public transport'.
Uncountable Noun
Never say 'public transports'. It sounds very unnatural to native speakers.
Signification
A system of vehicles like buses and trains for general public use.
Use 'take'
The most natural verb to use is 'take'. Say 'I take public transport' rather than 'I go with public transport'.
Uncountable Noun
Never say 'public transports'. It sounds very unnatural to native speakers.
US vs UK
If you are in the US, use 'transit' or 'transportation' to sound more like a local.
Small Talk
Complaining about public transport being late is a great way to start a conversation with a stranger at a bus stop!
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the phrase.
I don't like driving in the city, so I always use ______.
'Public transport' is uncountable and does not take an article here.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct sentence:
It is uncountable and takes a singular verb.
Match the city to its famous public transport nickname.
Match the following:
These are the most common regional names for public transport systems.
Complete the dialogue.
A: How do you get to work? B: I usually ______.
'Take' is the most common verb used with public transport.
Match the benefit to the reason for using public transport.
Why use public transport?
These are the three main reasons people choose public transport.
🎉 Score : /5
Aides visuelles
Modes of Public Transport
Land
- • Bus
- • Train
- • Tram
- • Subway
Water
- • Ferry
- • Water Taxi
Public vs Private Transport
Banque d exercices
5 exercicesI don't like driving in the city, so I always use ______.
'Public transport' is uncountable and does not take an article here.
Choose the correct sentence:
It is uncountable and takes a singular verb.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are the most common regional names for public transport systems.
A: How do you get to work? B: I usually ______.
'Take' is the most common verb used with public transport.
Why use public transport?
These are the three main reasons people choose public transport.
🎉 Score : /5
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsIt is uncountable. You should say 'Public transport is...' and not 'Public transports are...'.
There is no difference in meaning. 'Public transport' is British/Australian English, while 'public transportation' is American English.
Yes, this is very common and correct. You can also say 'I'm taking public transport'.
Generally, no. Taxis are considered private hire or private transport because they don't follow a fixed route or schedule.
Yes, especially in North America. 'Mass transit' or 'public transit' are common synonyms there.
You can say 'I am on public transport right now.'
Because it is funded, regulated, or provided for the use of the general public, rather than being for private use only.
We use 'on'. For example, 'I read the news while on public transport.'
The most common types are buses, trains, subways (metros), trams, and ferries.
Not always. It can be run by private companies but it must be available for the general public to use to be called 'public transport'.
It is a central place where many different types of transport meet, like a large station with buses, trains, and subways.
No, walking is 'active travel' or 'pedestrian travel'.
Usually, no. While planes are for the public, we usually use the term for local or regional travel within or between cities.
This depends on the culture. In Japan, it's rude. In many other places, it's fine as long as you aren't too loud.
Expressions liées
mass transit
synonymPublic transport designed to move very large numbers of people.
commute
similarThe journey between home and work.
private transport
contrastTravel using one's own vehicle, like a car or bike.
active travel
similarTravel that requires physical effort, like walking or cycling.
park and ride
specialized formA system where you park your car and take a bus into the city.
