The answer is nuanced and depends on your definition of “possible.” However, this article will shed some light on what you need to know about this type of traveling, exploring the possibilities, challenges, economic impact, and the state of cycling tourism in America.

The State of Cycling in America

According to PeopleForBikes, since the pandemic knocked on our doors, there has been an evident surge in cycling, with 10% of adult Americans taking up cycling activities for the first time in years. This slowly changes the narrative that only 1% of all trips taken by Americans are by bike compared to 87%, which accounts for trips taken by car or truck. With the increase in individuals taking up cycling, the country and cities across the country have started investing in infrastructure aimed at making cycling safer. Construction of greenways, protected bike lanes, and quiet streets is now being taken seriously, which is helping the cycling tourism industry grow.

The Economic Impact of the Bicycle Tourism

In 2022, the bicycle tourism industry in the United States of America generated approximately 11 billion in revenue, with over 60 million Americans participating in cycling activities. The revenue generated is a testament to bicycle tourism’s significant contribution to local, state, and national economies. According to the Outdoor Industry Association, although bicycling participants spend around $83 billion on bicycle tourism, generating about $97 billion in retail spending, bicycle recreation spending helps in the creation of at least 848,000 jobs. However, there must be factors fueling the popularity and growth of cycling tourism in America. We will review these factors in the paragraphs below.

The Inherent Adventure

Travelers no longer travel just to explore a city or because they are passionate about traveling. That seems to have changed. Today, individuals travel to overcome physical and mental challenges, connect with nature, and experience the country at a slower pace. These are all powerful motivators for cyclists.

To them, it’s more about an inherent adventure, which is no different even with gamblers in the casino industry seeking bonus buy slots, as highlighted at https://www.slotozilla.com/uk/slots-features/bonus-buy. The Bonus Buy is a feature that allows players to purchase direct access to a game’s bonus round or free spins rather than waiting for them to be triggered through regular gameplay. As a player, you get a chance to go to the super game, bypassing the gameplay. This enhances the casino experience for players, making it more fun and engaging.

Improved Infrastructure and Resources

As mentioned earlier, the establishment of dedicated bike paths, supportive communities, and an abundance of cycling tour operators has helped in making long-distance journeys more accessible. With the improved infrastructure and resources, cyclist travelers can easily navigate various cities, enabling them to have an enthralling cycling experience.

Also, this brings about safety and comfort, attracts a wider range of participants, including less experienced riders and families, boosts local economies, and promotes sustainable travel. This, in turn, contributes to the growth of cycling tourism across America. For instance, according to research, 71% of cyclists choose routes with dedicated bike paths, while cycling tourism contributes approximately $3.2 billion annually to the United States economy.

The Challenges of the Cycling Tourism Industry in America

Although bicycle tourism comes with its benefits, there are several challenges affecting its growth in America. In the paragraphs below, we will review the challenges of this type of tourism.

Safety Concerns

More often than not, the weather conditions might be unpredictable, ranging from snowcapped mountains to scorching deserts. The vastness and diverse weather conditions of America make long-distance journeys challenging, with erratic extreme temperatures and storms posing risks to cyclist travelers. Traffic hazards are also a significant challenge in the cycling tourism industry in America. Cyclists sharing roads with cars pose a significant safety risk, more so for novice participants or those navigating unfamiliar terrain. Similarly, limited emergency support in remote areas and inadequate bike repair services make solo travel potentially dangerous, affecting the industry.

Infrastructure Gaps

While the country is trying its best to construct dedicated bike paths, it is safe to say that these paths are limited. Many regions lack safe and well-maintained dedicated bike routes. As a result, this forces cyclists to share roads with cars, primarily in rural areas with higher traffic speeds and limited shoulders.

Equivalently, existing bike routes often lack connectivity, which makes multi-day journeys and route planning difficult. Moreover, in America, path quality varies greatly. Some routes are in poor condition and lack essential amenities like rest stops and signage, which is risky for cyclists.

Financial and Policy Obstacles

Limited funding is another challenge faced by cycling tourism in America. Public investment in cycling infrastructure often lags behind other modes of transportation. This hinders the development and maintenance of dedicated paths. Correspondingly, some policies are unfavorable as they prioritize automobile traffic over cycling, creating safety hazards and discouraging investment in bike-friendly infrastructure.

Also, the cost of travel for long-distance cycling can be expensive, considering factors such as accommodation, equipment, and tours. This potentially limits accessibility for certain demographics, hence affecting the industry.

Social and Cultural Barriers

Cycling tourism remains a niche market in some regions of America, with a lack of awareness about its benefits and potential. In the same vein, America has a dominant car culture, which can create negative perceptions of cycling, thus discouraging individuals from considering it as a travel option.

Additionally, the lack of infrastructure awareness in bike-friendly areas may hinder cycling tourism in America from growing. Some communities may not be fully supportive of cyclists or may lack the infrastructure to cater to their needs, leading to the slow growth of the industry.

Overcoming the Challenges

For the cycling tourism industry across America to grow and fully evolve, the challenges must be faced head-on using a multifaceted approach. The table below outlines potential solutions for each category aiming to increase the possibilities of the industry growing:

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, cycling tourism is a growing trend, and America has the potential to become a significant destination for cycling tourists. However, for this to happen, the challenges faced by the industry have to be addressed by promoting cycling as a safe and viable mode of transportation, investing in infrastructure and safety measures, and increasing awareness about the advantages of cycling tourism. Once these challenges are dealt with, America can for sure become a leading destination for cyclist tourists.

The post Cycling Tourism Across America: Is It Possible? appeared first on Ride2Cta.

Types of Public Transportation in the U.S.

Hop on board, friends! The United States is a vast land with an eclectic mix of public transportation options. From the bustling subways of New York City to the historic cable cars of San Francisco, there’s no shortage of ways to get around. But what types are there? Buses, subways, light rails, trams, and ferries are just a few options you have.

Why People Choose Public Transportation

Why do folks prefer public transport? For many, it’s an affordable and convenient alternative to driving. No need to worry about gas, maintenance, or parking. Plus, it’s greener – like turning your commute into an environmental high-five!

Crunching the Numbers: Costs of Public Transport in Different States

Alright folks, buckle up! Let’s take a road trip across the good ol’ US of A and see what it costs to take public transport in different states. Imagine you’ve got an unlimited pass and can hop on and off wherever you like. Now, wouldn’t that be dreamy? But let’s get back to reality and break down the costs.

Buses: The Backbone of U.S. Public Transportation

Buses are like the trusty old friends of public transport. In cities big and small, they’re often the go-to option. On average, a single bus ride costs around $2, but this varies depending on the city and state. In Los Angeles, you’re looking at $1.75, while in New York City, it’s $2.75.

Subway Systems: Racing Through the Underground

Ah, the subway – where you’re just a blur racing through the city’s veins. The average price of a subway ride in the U.S. is about $2.50. However, the prices can be as dynamic as a rollercoaster. In New York City, for example, a MetroCard will cost you $2.75 a ride.

Special Mention: Live Casinos Online

Hold on, let’s take a quick detour. Speaking of dynamic experiences, have you tried out live casinos online? Just like hopping on a subway can zip you across the city, live casinos online can teleport you into a world of excitement and potential jackpots. It’s like hitting the Vegas strip without leaving your couch!

Light Rails and Trams: The Middle Ground

Sleek, smooth, and oh-so-scenic! Light rails and trams are like the cool cousins of buses and subways. Prices usually hover around $2 to $3, but can vary depending on the network and city.

Ferries: Cruising Across the Waters

Fancy a breath of fresh sea air? Ferries are your ticket to tranquility. Prices for a ferry ride range widely – from a couple of bucks to over $10, depending on the route and location.

Factors Influencing Public Transportation Prices

Buckle up, because we’re about to break down the nitty-gritty factors that play a role in how much you shell out for a ride on the bus, train, or ferry. It’s like solving a puzzle with multiple pieces.

Geographical Location and Demographics

The prices of public transportation can swing like a pendulum based on where you are. Big city? Expect to pay a little more. Smaller town? Maybe a bit less.

Government Subsidies and Funding

Here’s a little secret: public transportation rarely makes a profit. That’s why government subsidies are crucial. More funding = lower prices for passengers.

Operational Costs and Maintenance

The daily hustle and bustle of running public transportation systems is no cheap affair. From repairing buses to paying staff, these costs have to be covered somehow, and they affect ticket prices.

Comparing Public Transportation to Other Modes of Travel

Imagine you’re standing on the streets of a bustling city, and you’ve got places to be. The question is: How are you getting there? Public transportation, your trusty car, or maybe one of those ride-sharing apps on your phone? Let’s break it down and see how they stack up against each other!

Public Transport vs. Driving a Personal Vehicle

The ultimate showdown! While public transportation can be cheaper and greener, having your car means freedom and flexibility. But remember, with great power comes great responsibility (and costs!).

Public Transport vs. Ride-Sharing Services

It’s the new kid on the block versus the seasoned veteran. Ride-sharing can be convenient, but it’s often pricier than public transportation, especially during peak hours.

The Future of Public Transportation in the U.S.

Let’s fast-forward to the future for a minute. Picture this: you’re stepping onto a shiny, silent electric bus or gliding above the streets in an autonomous monorail. Sounds like science fiction, right? Well, buckle up, because the future of public transportation in the U.S. is racing towards us faster than a New York City subway.

Technological Innovations

Tech is taking over, and public transportation is no exception. From electric buses to apps that streamline travel, the future is looking bright and efficient.

Sustainability and the Environment

As the world turns, so does our understanding of environmental responsibility. Expect to see more eco-friendly public transportation options sprouting up like trees after a rainstorm.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead for Public Transport

As we cruise to the end of our journey, it’s clear that public transportation in the United States is as diverse as the country itself. With a range of options and prices, it offers something for everyone. As technology and sustainability continue to shape the landscape, the road ahead for public transport looks like an exciting adventure.

The post The Vibrant World of Public Transportation appeared first on Ride2Cta.

Do not believe it will be easy to start a transportation business. The sector is not only known for the opportunities it offers but also for the competition and the many complexities to master. There is a lot to know about how to start a transportation business before you begin your journey.

Choose a Sector

The first thing to do is decide the sector you will operate in, as it is based on it that many of your next decisions will be made. Transporting people or things are quite different and indeed the vehicles may differ a lot. Also, according to your budget, you may want to buy or rent the vehicles. Moreover, your first concern should be accurate market research: it will help you understand what business you should start. Consider that a bus conceived for fifty people will not be the best means for transporting cement. An important thing is that you should transport something specific, something that is not being transported at the moment, thus being underserved by the market. 

Write a Business Plan

A good business, no matter what type it is, should always have a very good business plan. The business plan should contain important information you acquired about future utilizers of your service. You must also estimate your launch expenses, the amount of capital you will require, and the pricing you want to charge for various services. Even if some of the answers to these questions vary over time, you must still complete your studies and have a general answer. Finally, your business plan will inform you about your chances of success and give a more detailed step-by-step guide on how to start a transportation firm.

Register Your Business

With a strategy in place and a name for your company, the next step in learning how to establish a transportation company is to register it. You must trademark and register your name with the appropriate local, state, and federal authorities. Just bear in mind that you don’t want to go into the trouble of accomplishing all of this unless you have a business strategy in place and a plan for beginning a profitable transportation service.

Needless to say, all of these issues must be addressed before your company formally debuts and begins transporting people or goods.

Licenses and Permits

Although you may think the paperwork is done, there are still certain business licenses and permits that need to be obtained in order for your venture to effectively operate. Depending on what sector you have chosen, additional forms of authorization may also be required.

Secure Funding

With the money you’ve saved on your own, there’s no chance you’ll be able to establish a transportation firm. Even a small firm or local transportation service will require a significant amount of cash to get started. After all, you have to spend money to make money, so you’ll need to make an investment to get started. Of course, this is easier said than done, which is why you need a solid business plan that demonstrates to financial institutions why your company has a chance of succeeding.

The Fleet

In considering the number and the quality of your fleet, what is to be said is that you should always invest wisely. It’s important to take the longevity of your vehicles into account when making such a critical purchase. You also don’t want to overlook the importance of vehicle maintenance. 

You may require drivers for your vehicles that transport people or freight. These individuals must be trained and qualified.

The post How to Start a Successful Transport Business appeared first on Ride2Cta.

Seattle, Washington

Seattle, Washington, takes the lead according to WalletHub’s 2019 study comparing 100 cities nationwide. Seattle’s transportation system is renowned for its accessibility, convenience, safety, reliability, and abundant resources. The city has continuously expanded and innovated its transportation infrastructure, boasting an impressive bus system and a variety of transit options by land and sea. Seattle, not only offers an excellent bus system but also provides a comprehensive light rail network known as Sound Transit. Sound Transit’s Link light rail connects various neighborhoods and extends to the airport, offering convenient transportation options for both residents and visitors. Moreover, Seattle is actively investing in innovative transportation solutions, such as bike-sharing programs and electric scooters, further enhancing the city’s commitment to sustainable and accessible public transportation.

New York, New York

New York City’s metropolitan area hosts the largest transportation system in the country, earning it the second spot on our list. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority operates a subway that caters to approximately 6 million daily riders, with the bustling Times Square serving as the busiest among the 472 subway stops. The city’s bus system is highly reliable and carries around 1.3 million passengers each day. Over 77% of New York residents depend on public transportation for their daily commute. In addition to its extensive subway and bus systems, New York City continues to invest in improving its transportation infrastructure. The city has implemented initiatives like Citi Bike, a popular bike-sharing program, and has been expanding its ferry services, providing scenic and efficient transportation along the city’s waterways. Furthermore, New York’s iconic yellow taxis remain a symbol of urban transportation, offering convenient rides for both locals and tourists navigating the bustling streets of the Big Apple.

San Francisco, California

San Francisco, California, stands out with its unique and efficient transportation options. The city’s iconic cable car system is a favorite among tourists. It also features the BART, a light rail system consisting of 8 DMU train cars accommodating up to 104 riders, and the Muni, a municipal train with a daily ridership of approximately 70,000. San Francisco prides itself on energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness in public transportation, utilizing electric power. With an estimated 220 million riders per day, public transportation in San Francisco offers a time-saving alternative to congested commutes.

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston, Massachusetts, houses the fifth-largest mass transit system in the United States, serving over 4.2 million individuals across the region. Notably, Boston’s transportation network sources 20% of its electricity from certified renewable energy sources. The city offers a comprehensive public transportation network, including the T subway system, a robust bus system, and a trolley car service. More than one-third of Boston residents rely on public transit for their daily commutes and social engagements, with convenient connections to key locations such as the airport and Harvard University.

Washington, D.C.

As the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., boasts an efficient transit system, facilitating easy commuting from suburbs and neighboring areas while navigating the metropolitan area. The city’s subway system ranks as the second-largest in the US based on ridership, providing approximately 200 million trips annually. Additionally, the subway connects seamlessly to the MARC and VRE systems for passengers traveling from Maryland and Virginia, respectively. Washington’s transportation system earned the title of best in 2016 due to its efficiency, user-friendliness, and cleanliness. With 91 Metro stations and a bus system serving around 130 million trips each year, the region offers extensive options for public transportation.

Public transportation plays a vital role in connecting millions of Americans to people, places, and opportunities, while also contributing to the local and national economies. Choosing public transit over personal vehicles provides a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative. These five cities in the United States stand out for their exceptional public transportation systems, making travel and daily commuting hassle-free and efficient.

The post 5 US Cities with the Best Public Transportation appeared first on Ride2Cta.

Portland, Oregon
Since the people of Portland, Oregon are very environmentally conscious, it’s no surprise that they have a very well-developed urban transportation infrastructure. They have a bus and rail system (known as TriMet), and residents and visitors can easily get around the city at cheap fares.

Pittsburgh, PA.
In Pittsburgh, passengers can use both buses and the underground light rail system known as the T. A one-way bus or train fare is $2.50 with a ConnectCard and $2.75 for cash.

Denver, Colorado.
Denver has an excellent public transportation system, with 68.4% of residents approving of the infrastructure. All stations are ADA-accessible, and the city has both bus and rail routes, as well as more than 125 bus routes. These systems easily connect to the airport and sports stadiums.

Madison, Wisconsin.
The small town of Madison, Wisconsin is home to the University of Wisconsin and is a great place for families. Their Metro transportation system is an example of a bus-only transportation strategy that works well for residents, visitors, and students at the university.

Chicago, Illinois.
Chicago is the third largest city in the country and has one of the best transit structures in the country, the CTA. This system includes many different bus routes and rail lines that connect all areas of the city, and 90.7% of residents approve of this transportation system. Chicago also has a robust Metra rail system that connects various suburbs so that commuters can get to the city without having to stand in dense traffic jams.

Passenger traffic is down in 2020 because of the pandemic, but these systems typically serve about 500 million people a year. The train system, known as El because it mostly runs on elevated tracks, has eight different color-coded routes and 145 train stations, many of which are available through the ADA program. Travel around the windy city – including from both major airports, downtown and the suburbs – is easy thanks to the CTA. One-way fares are $2.50 by train and $2.25 by bus.

Washington, D.C..
The nation’s capital has a successful transportation system that makes it easy to get around downtown as well as to get from the suburbs and surrounding areas. The city’s subway system is called Metro, and there are also MARC trains for Marylanders and VRE trains for those coming from Virginia.

Metro makes about 200 million trips each year; it is the second-largest system in the United States in terms of ridership. The bus system also makes about 130 million trips a year. There are 91 subway stations in the city, so people can transfer to the subway from different parts of the area.

New York City, New York.
Of course, we can’t talk about public transportation in America without mentioning the New York City subway system, the largest system in the country. On an average weekday, the subway serves 5.5 million passengers, and nearly 1.7 billion people ride it each year. The subway has 472 stations, the busiest of which is Times Square.

The city also has a successful bus system, with an average of 2.2 million commuters per weekday. More than 77% of residents approve of the system, and more than half of residents use public transportation to commute to work, which is higher than in any other U.S. city. In addition to commuter trains, subways, and buses, New York City has a ferry system for commuters.

San Francisco, California
San Francisco travelers love the historic cable cars, but the city also has a bus system, a light-rail system known as BART, and the Muni Municipal Railroad. The city uses a lot of electricity for public transportation, making it more energy efficient and economical than other cities.

Boston, Massachusetts
Boston’s metro system includes the subway (known as the T), an extensive bus system, and trolleybus service. More than 30% of Boston residents use public transportation to get to work. The subway provides access to the airport, Harvard, and other key places in the area.

Seattle, WA.
Seattle can serve as a model for many cities for successful transportation infrastructure development. Although Seattle is by no means the largest city, its transportation system is reliable and includes rail, buses, streetcars, and water cabs.

The post Cities With The Best Public Transportation appeared first on Ride2Cta.

According to the American Public Transportation Association, about 30 cities with light rail systems in the United States, light rail systems in six of them (Boston, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Portland (Oregon), San Diego and San Francisco ) reach more than 30 million unconnected passenger transit trips per year.

The United States has several light rail systems in the middle the size of major cities. In the oldest legacy systems, such as Boston, Cleveland, Newark, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and San Francisco, light rail is a vestige of the first generation streetcar systems of the 19th and early 20th centuries, but was spared the fate of other streetcar systems because these systems had some separation from traffic and high ridership. A number of second-generation light rail systems opened in the 1980s, beginning with San Diego in 1981, several more were built in the 1990s, and many more have opened in cities with lower traffic densities since the early 2000s.

From the mid-nineteenth century onward, streetcars (or horse streetcars) were used in cities around the world. The St. Charles Avenue streetcar line in New Orleans is the oldest continuously operating street railroad in the world, having begun operating as a horse-drawn system in 1835.

Since the late Beginning in the 1880s, electrically powered street railroads became technically feasible after the invention of the current collecting cart system by American inventor Frank J. Sprague, who installed the first successful electrified cart system in Richmond, Virginia in 1888. They became popular because the roads were then poorly paved, and until the invention of the internal combustion engine and the advent of motor buses, they were the only practical means of getting around cities.

Streetcar systems built in the 19th and early 20th centuries usually operated with only one car. Some rail lines experimented with multi-unit configurations where streetcars were combined into short trains, but this did not become commonplace until later. When lines were built for long distances (usually with a single track) before good roads were commonplace, in North America they were usually called intercity streetcars or radial railroads.

In the United States, most of the original streetcar systems were decommissioned from the 1950s and the automobile rose in popularity until about 1970. Although a few traditional streetcar or trolleybus systems still exist today (such as New Orleans), the term “light rail” has come to refer to a different type of rail system. Modern light rail technology is largely of German origin, as Boeing Vertol’s attempt to introduce a new American light rail system proved to be a technical failure. After World War II, the Germans kept their streetcar networks (Straßenbahn) and turned them into model light-rail systems (Stadtbahn ). With the exception of Hamburg, all large and medium-sized German cities have light rail networks (Stadtbahn).

The revival of light rail in the United States began in 1981, when the first truly light rail system of the second generation was born. was opened in the United States San Diego Trolley in California, which used the German light rail Siemens-Duewag U2. (This was just three years after the opening of the first North American second-generation light rail system in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada in 1978, which used the same German Siemens-Duewag U2 Vehicles such as the San Diego).

The post Streetcar in the USA appeared first on Ride2Cta.

Well, to make it easier and more convenient, we’ve compiled a guide about American cab services.

The difference in terms: how American cabs work
In the U.S., a cab and a car service are not the same thing. Let’s quickly and simply figure out how they differ.

Cabs:

Yellow or light green (boro-taxi) cars in the case of municipal services, private car entrepreneurs (who have bought a license to haul their own vehicles) do not always paint their cars yellow;
the cost of the trip is calculated by the meter;
pick up passengers only on the streets, at airports, railway stations, near major bus stops (except boro-taxi – these only run in residential areas);
they do not come on call;
Most drivers are migrants, and outside the city center they may not speak English very well.

Car services:

Work on-call through a call or request on an app;
can both provide ridesharing and rent cars (carsharing);
In most regions they are not allowed to pick up passengers on the streets;
the cost of the trip is usually known in advance;
They are more likely to return your things left in the cab (the bigger the company, the higher the probability).
If you need to take a cab outside of downtown New York City, where there are hundreds of them along the streets, it is better to use cab services.

The most popular car services
Not all services can be profitable or convenient. We have compiled a ranking of the five most popular car-calling services in the United States and tell you about their advantages and disadvantages.

Uber. The most popular and reliable service in America – supports the function of deferred call for a cab to a certain time, has a large fleet of cars and affordable prices. As an option you can use the function UberPOOL when fellow passengers are added to you. This allows you to ride at reduced fares (only $5 for any distance). However, in the morning, evening, and on holidays, all fares can increase dramatically due to high demand.
Lyft. A direct competitor to Uber. Cars of this service are easy to distinguish – plush fluffy pink mustaches on the bumper or hood. This service works on the same principle, but it does not yet have such a large fleet, so during the rush hour you will not be able to call a cab quickly. The company is constantly conducting promotions, passengers are given discounts and bonuses. If you register with the app, the user gets the first ride of $15.
Via. One of the cheapest 24-hour carpool services – the driver collects hitchhikers and takes them to different points on the route in one trip. It costs almost half as much as a regular cab ride, so if you have no preconceptions about strangers, it’s a pretty good option.
Gett. Gett service is disliked because of the frequent tardiness of drivers and poor geolocation, by which you can not always track the car. Often the driver refuses to order. But they have a flat rate for a ride – only $10 for trips of no more than half an hour and 4 miles. It is best to ask for a car from this service in advance, when you are not in a hurry.

Tipping in Taxis
It is an unspoken rule that you have to tip the driver for any cab ride. In the case of payment by card it can be withdrawn automatically. There are some rules for calculating tips.

Separately we should note the “extras”: if during the ride the cab driver “in a friendly way” tells you some useful information (eg, about hotels or where it is best to catch a car next time), it is also reflected in the amount. More will be expected for a tip – up to 20-25% of the trip.

Even if such sums for a ride seem too large to you, you should not forget that cab drivers are one of the most dangerous professions in America. Their risks are almost 2 times greater than those of police work. Petty robberies happen regularly, so you shouldn’t speak about their greed or unreasonably high prices.

It does not matter if you take a cab, a car, a bike, or a bus. The main thing is to be in America. After all, nowhere else can you get such pleasure from the roads, travel and interaction with the urban environment.

The post What you need to know about cabs in the U.S. appeared first on Ride2Cta.

New York City
New York City is a bustling and crowded city that has everything you need to get around: 24-hour subways, comfortable buses, free ferries and even a cable car that offers spectacular views of the city. Before you can use the New York City subway, you must apply for a so-called MetroCard. It is a rechargeable card that you use to pass through the turnstiles of subway stations. Station machines accept both cash and bank cards. MetroCard can be purchased for a single trip, with payment for completed trips, but the most convenient for tourists will be a card for an unlimited number of trips. New York City subway lines should be separated by letters and numbers, not colors. In front of each turnstile is indicated the direction of the subway, so before you go through the turnstile, you need to orient, which line you need. After passing through the turnstile, you will not be able to switch to another line. Bus lines are also worth identifying by letter. You can enter them by MetroCard as well as for cash (Attention! Buses only accept coins without change).

Boston
Boston’s public transportation consists of subways, buses, commuter trains, and water shuttles. In general, the public transit network is called Public Transit or simply T, it’s worth focusing on this letter, not the M as we are used to. Locals use mostly the so-called CharlieCard, which is rechargeable. Tourists can also buy single-day or weekly Linkpasses. The Boston Metro (or just the T) consists of red, orange, blue, and green lines. Some lines are surface lines, but most are underground. The colored lines are in turn divided into letters depending on the direction needed, so it’s worth paying attention not only to the colors, but also to the letter designations. Buses in Boston are usually a bit slower than subway lines, but the trip itself will cost less.

Washington, D.C.
A pleasant surprise for visitors to the U.S. capital is the fact that many of the city’s attractions are within walking distance. Nevertheless, transport network of Washington is excellent, everything, as they say, is for people. There are subways and buses in the city. The subway consists of 6 colored lines, there are surface and underground lines. The fare varies depending on the day of the week and time of day. To avoid confusion, it would be useful to buy a pass for a day, week or month. The pass is valid in both the subway and buses. Locals use a rechargeable SmartTrip card.

Chicago
Chicago has a city subway and bus system, as well as commuter rail and bus routes. The subway in Chicago is mostly elevated, named unusually with the letter L and has 8 branches. The reusable public transportation card is called the Ventra. You can also buy single-use tickets, but there are passes that can be used for 1,3,7, or 30 days. Ventra cards are valid not only in the metro but also in buses. The so-called ChicagoCard, which also gives you unlimited use of both the subway and buses, is also available in the city.

Seattle
Public transportation in Seattle is called Metro, but it includes not only subways, but also buses, trolleybuses, commuter trains and steamboats. However, the most popular form of transport is the bus. In the city there are both regular buses and buses type express. You pay at the beginning of the trip, at the entrance there is a special machine that takes cash without change. You can also use the ORCA card. This is a contactless rechargeable card for any number of trips.

Miami
The Metrorail elevated subway system, Metrobus bus network, and Metromover monorail reliably cover the entire metropolis of Miami, so the only problem with getting from sight to sight is the presence of traffic jams, but not the choice of public transportation. The subway consists of 2 branches, green and orange, and has a total of 23 stations. The subway runs until midnight.

Los Angeles
In the city of angels there is both the subway (5 branches) and buses (about 200 routes). One-day or one-week passes can be used to get around. Boarding and payment on buses is done at the front door of the bus. The subway in the city is part underground and part surface. It covers the San Fernando Valley, Hollywood, Koreatown, South Bay, Long Beach, Harbor Gateway, Norwalk, Pasadena, East Los Angeles, El Monte, and, of course, DownTown.

The post Public transportation in U.S. cities appeared first on Ride2Cta.

All of us are well aware of the legendary American muscle cars or huge powerful trucks. Even people who are far from cars are familiar with them, thanks to American adventure films. Buses of the North American continent are quite another matter.

They are a kind of enclosed space, designed for indoor use only. In fact, few people in Europe would be able to name several local companies specializing in city or intercity buses.

In addition to buses, of course, there are other urban transport. They include the traditional subway, ferries and even a cable car. All of them are vital for a metropolis, daily drowning in numerous traffic jams. In this case, the subway, of course, can come to the rescue. But, in fact, from the window of his car you can not see the local beauty. And here comes to the aid of the city bus.

Even if you own a car, it’s easy to get lost in the vast New York City. Walking through the vast urban area and seeing the local sights is out of the question. So, however you look at it, you simply can’t do without public transportation in the Big Apple. An interactive route planner from the MTA company can help with that.

Bus service in the metropolis is more than very well developed. There is a huge number of different routes, affecting not only the central streets, but also the outskirts and suburbs. Despite the traditional American carelessness, ground transport runs with German pedantry. Although traffic jams everywhere can make a nuisance of their own.

You can easily find out the time-table of the bus you need from the bus stop or route map (unlike in our country). You are offered a booklet with detailed information about the schedule of each route absolutely free of charge. They are available near any subway station or at special information boards located in libraries. By the way, it’s important to remember that bus schedules change on holidays.

The total number of main routes is 254. There are also several dozen additional express lines. As of 2022, they are distributed by sections as follows:

Queens – 80 regular and 30 express
Brooklyn – 58 and 7
Stat Island – 31 and 29.
Bronx – 44 and 11
Manhattan – 41 regular routes.

Coins can be used to pay for your ride when boarding the bus. The readers do not work with paper money. Change is also not given out, so you must have the right amount to pay. Although metal dollars can be used, a 50-cent coin is not suitable for payment because of its large size. One-cent coins cannot be used for payment either. If you have to transfer, you must notify the driver. The driver will give you a disposable MetroCard with a black stripe on the back. You can use it on the next train.

However, the main and most convenient way to pay is the reusable MetroCard. At the entrance it is inserted into the reader next to the driver. After that, the card is returned to the owner. This differs from the magnetic tape reader system by simply swiping the card used in the subway.

When the passenger has reached his/her stop, he/she should exit through the middle door. This can be done by first informing the driver by pressing the red “Stop” button on the handrail. The doors will open automatically or you will have to press the yellow bar in between. In addition to the MTA, there are many smaller private companies. There are also Chinatown social buses, where the fare is only $2 (instead of the usual $2.75). However, there is no possibility of a free transfer to another route.

The post What is a city bus? appeared first on Ride2Cta.

Public transportation in the United States varies from place to place. In some places it can take you almost everywhere you need to go. In other places, it may run only occasionally or may not be available at all.

The most common forms of public transportation in the United States are buses, subways, and commuter trains. They usually run on a schedule and stop at specific, designated places to pick up or drop off passengers. In most cases, to use public transport you will need to buy a ticket in advance or pay for the trip at the time of boarding. Sometimes it is required to have the exact amount of money (without change) or an electronic travel card with a sufficient balance to cover the trip. Sometimes the fare depends on the length of the journey. Travel cards can be bought at stations and other places where you can pay in cash or by credit or debit card to top up your travel card.

During rush hour, public transport fares may be higher than at other times of the day. Trains and buses can also be overcrowded at this time and in big cities it can take much longer to reach your destination. It is therefore important to allow extra time for rush hour travel if you want to arrive at work or an appointment on time.

The vast majority of public transport means have clearly marked seats reserved for the elderly, disabled and pregnant women. Able-bodied passengers are expected to give up these seats when necessary.

Walking and cycling as means of transportation

Walking and biking are inexpensive and convenient ways to get around that are also good for your health. The United States has laws that regulate walking and bicycling. Pay attention to traffic signs and signals to avoid getting into dangerous situations while walking in your community. Use sidewalks and cross the roadway at pedestrian crossings or intersections. Park your bike in designated places and lock it securely. Many cities have created special bicycle lanes and developed traffic and safety rules for cyclists. Also, in many localities wearing a helmet while cycling is required by law, and in some cities cyclists must have a special license. To ride a bike safely, it is important to know and obey the traffic laws in your community.

Some cities have bike-sharing programs that allow drivers to rent bikes for short periods of time. In most cases, these programs involve a network of bike stations (bikeparks) throughout the city, and users pay to ride their bike from one station to another, where they must leave the bike for the next user. Usually, the cyclist is required to pay by credit or debit card or to become a member of the program in advance. Some programs have smartphone apps that allow cyclists to locate available bikes and make payments.

The post Public transport system appeared first on Ride2Cta.