Top 5 Car-Sharing Services in the US

In the next paragraphs below, we will list the best car-sharing services you should consider when seeking to get around the city.

Turo

If you are looking for a service that embraces a peer-to-peer model, allowing users to rent cars directly from individual owners, then Turo is the solution to your needs. It’s the king of the road, boasting over 350,000 vehicles in around 5,500+ cities.

According to research, Turo is one of the largest car-sharing marketplaces, with around 14 million plus users globally. The unique approach used by Turo provides users with an extensive choice of vehicles, including trucks, luxury cars, and specialty rides. With this car-sharing company, you get diverse insurance options, which empowers you as the user to customize coverage based on your preferences. The company sees that users are covered with $750,000 in liability insurance from travelers with options to choose from, including varying levels of reimbursement for physical damage.

Moreover, it operates globally in over 50 countries, standing out as a platform that not only facilitates transportation but also promotes a shared community of car enthusiasts. The costs vary based on factors like the vehicle type, rental duration, location, insurance, and additional fees, but typically, the costs roughly range between $5 per hour to $200+ per hour.

Key features:

• Vehicle variety
• Insurance options
• GPS navigation
• 24/7 customer support
• Peer-to-peer rentals
• An easy-to-use app

Zipcar

Unparalleled flexibility in urban mobility is essential, and therefore, individuals need a car-sharing service like Zipcar, a pioneer in the industry. Once you become a Zipcar member, you can rent vehicles by the hour or day, with access to a diverse fleet that includes compact cars and SUVs. This means that the service operates on a membership basis. However, with the membership comes exclusive benefits such as gas, discounted rates, and insurance coverage. The membership plans are divided into three categories: the basic plan (£0/month), the Smart Plan (£6/month), and lastly, the Plus Plan (£15/month).

When you submit your first Zipcar application, you are expected to pay a $25 non-refundable application fee. Additionally, the company provides users with a user-friendly mobile app that can be downloaded from both Google Play and App Store. The availability of a mobile app contributes significantly to the establishment of a robust nationwide network, making Zipcar a go-to option for those seeking on-demand and hassle-free transportation.

Key features:

• Flexibility: Hourly or daily rentals.
• Nationwide network: Extensive coverage in over 500 cities across the country.
• Membership benefits: All-inclusive packages and discounted prices.
• Diverse fleet: Ranging from SUVs to compact cars.

Getaround

As a car-sharing company, Getaround has gradually helped consumers shift away from car ownership by providing them with instant and convenient access to vehicles when needed. The company is changing the way people access and experience transportation. With Getaround, individuals don’t have to worry about car ownership and parking woes as it offers an affordable, flexible, and convenient alternative to traditional car ownership. Similarly, this car-sharing company is committed to doing three things: empowering people, improving mobility, and protecting the environment.

Getaround is the world’s first car-sharing marketplace to offer a 100% digital experience, which means that drivers get a contactless experience. Therefore, there’s no waiting in line at a car rental counter, manual paperwork, or manual collection of keys. The company has covered over 1,000 cities in 8 countries and has completed over 5 million trips. Apart from that, it has a mobile app known as the Getaround app that can be downloaded from the App Store and Google Play.

Research shows that in 2022, Getaround ranked second after Zipcar as the largest car-sharing provider globally, with a market share of 10%, gaining popularity in several major cities in the United States of America for its innovative peer-to-peer model.

Key features:

• Keyless entry: Seamless access to rented cars without needing physical keys.
• Instant access: It is easy for users to locate, book, and unlock vehicles using the mobile app.
• Peer-to-peer rentals: Connects car owners with renters for a decentralized car-sharing experience.
• No membership fee: Users are not charged a membership fee when using this service.

Enterprise CarShare

Enterprise CarShare stands out as a top contender for those seeking reliable and established car-sharing services in the United States. The company is backed by the well-known Enterprise Rent-A-Car brand, ensuring it offers convenient and seamless car-sharing solutions to users. Enterprise CarShare focuses on an extensive network, with a fleet of over 150,000 vehicles, from spacious SUVs, Cargo vans, and fuel-efficient hybrids to electric models and much more in 15+ major US cities. It offers a wide coverage among traditional car-sharing services; hence, it is easier to find a car near your location, whether you are in a smaller suburb or a bustling city.

Additionally, there is a booking system in place and a user-friendly mobile application that can be used to reserve and access a car, making the whole process a breeze. There are no paperwork or counter queues involved, as you only need to unlock your chosen vehicle via your phone and hit the road. Enterprise CarShare services can be used by different categories of people, from business travelers, professionals, families, and individuals who prefer the security and familiarity of a recognized brand to drivers looking for a diverse fleet with various vehicle types to choose from.

Key features:

• 24/7 member service: All Enterprise CarShare members can access around-the-clock support through communication channels such as email and phone.
• Prepaid fuel card: Once the fuel reaches ¼ of a tank, a member can use the fuel prepaid card to fill up their vehicle.
• Insurance coverage: The company provides physical damage and liability protection, which is normally included in the rates.

HiyaCar

HiyaCar is an ideal option for budget-conscious individuals looking for affordable car access for errands and short-term trips, gig workers seeking a cost-effective way to access vehicles for their platforms, and urban dwellers who value convenience. With its presence growing rapidly, HiyaCar actively operates in major United States cities and suburbs across the country. The company offers comprehensive insurance for rentals and roadside assistance, not forgetting a team of customer support readily available to offer assistance around the clock.

However, drivers have to go through seven layers of verification, which is a mandatory process when using this service. HiyaCar ensures there is advanced tech in quality vehicles through features such as Keyless QuickStart technology and Kwik Fit-tested cars, which is a way of providing the best experience to owners and drivers alike. While less extensive than some competitors, HiyaCar offers a variety of car models, such as fuel-efficient Sedans and high-quality SUVs. The company partners with local businesses and organizations to provide convenient car-sharing options in specific neighborhoods and communities.

Key features:

• Simple booking and access: HiyaCar has an app that makes booking and accessing vehicles a smooth process.
• Point-to-point delivery: The company saves you time and effort by offering point-to-point delivery and pickup. This takes away the need to travel to a designated parking spot.
• No cancellation fee: You can cancel your subscription anytime without paying a cancellation fee.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, the car-sharing landscape in the United States is booming, hence an increase in competition among companies. While the services are designed to offer convenience, flexibility, and affordability in transportation, it is essential to always look at factors such as availability, pricing structure, rental duration, vehicle variety, and customer support before choosing a service. This helps ensure you choose the best car-sharing company that suits your needs.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The city of Baltimore and its suburbs have 1.8 million inhabitants. The city is unique in that it is located on a bay on a peninsula far out to sea and is the largest port in the United States and an important industrial and cultural center.

The first-line route runs northwest from the city center and covers the areas with the most residential development. From the terminal station Charles Center line length of 7.2 km with six stations goes underground to the station Mondolin, then 4 km by overpass and another 1.7 km on the ground.

A new 9.6 km northbound line with three stations is nearing completion. The sections of this line, which are scheduled for commissioning in 1988, will be entirely aboveground. In addition, there are plans to build a 2.4 km long underground section that will connect the center with the largest medical and sports complex.

The tunnel was excavated using the panel method, except for those sections in the rock which required more complex blasting work. Six underground stations were built using the enclosed method, as each of them is located on at least two levels. The two stations where interchanges are planned are located on three levels. The deepest station, Peine Port, is located at a depth of 36.5 meters. Nine stations have platforms 137 m long. The stations are spacious, have their own, inherent only to them, individual architectural interpretation, decorated with mosaics and murals.

In the tunnels the track was laid on the concrete slabs with rubber pads to reduce the noise and achieve greater smoothness. On the above-ground sections the rails were laid on twin concrete sleepers, which, in turn, were concreted into concrete track blocks. The minimum radius of curves is 225 m, the maximum gradient is 30%.

Current carrying is carried out from the third rail, which for better conductivity is covered with aluminum paint. The voltage in the contact rail is 700 V DC. The power supply is controlled from a single dispatching center.

The trains are driven automatically, but the driver has the functions of information about the train’s progress, opening and closing the doors, sending the train out of the station and some other functions.

Automatic train operation system, operating on microprocessors, leads the train along the sections, regulates speed and ensures stopping at the station in the set place.

Traffic control is provided from a single center, which has a permanent radio link to train drivers, telephone link to all subway stations, and television link to the stations.

The trains are formed of six cars on the principle of two-car sections. Car length – 22,9 m, width – 3,1 m, capacity – 170 places, including 77 seats. The wagon body is frameless, made of corrugated stainless steel. On each side of the car there are 3 sliding doors with the width of opening 1,27 m. The front and side windows are made of painted shatterproof glass. The cars are equipped with air conditioners and forced ventilation system. The motor cars have 4 traction motors of 130 kW each with thyristor control and a possibility to regenerate. The maximum speed is 110 km/h.

The subway operates from 5 am to 8 pm. Interval between trains is 8-10 min. Subway speed is about 50 km/h. Payment for the fare, as in the bus, is zone, 75 cents before the change and 15 cents for the change. Stations are equipped with ticket change machines, turnstiles for automatic passage with magnetic reading. They have escalators and elevators (for the disabled).

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Further extension of the line in both directions is planned. The beginning of its operation on the whole projected length is scheduled for 1988.

The first subway line in Buffalo with the length of 10.3 km and 14 stations was also completed.

In the summer of 1984 the last (fourth) station of the new 12.7 km section of Chicago subway was put into service. The other stations have been operating since 1983.

The new section connected the city center with O’Hare International Airport. Reconstruction of the 3 km elevated roundabout line, built in 1897, is underway. In the near future construction of a 1.2 km long stretch between the Roosevelt and Sermak-Chinatown stations of two neighboring radii is to begin, which will enable a more even distribution of train traffic between them. The commissioning of this line is planned for 1987. A new subway line with eight stations is also planned, connecting the center with Midway Airport. The line will run on overpasses, the existing railroad embankment and a short underground section. Construction is scheduled to be completed by 1988.

In Detroit, a 4.8 km long circular elevated subway line is under construction for fully automated train service. Two light-rail suburban passenger lines are being designed: the Woodward line with startup in 1990 and the first phase of the Gresgio line with startup in 1991.

The lines would have a common transfer station downtown, as well as interchanges to the Circle Line. They will have rush-hour traffic intervals of 3 to 10 minutes.

Pittsburgh is in the process of converting the old streetcar line into a subway line and building a new section downtown with three underground stations. Totally 12 new stations are being built on the line, its total length will be 17 km.

In Portland the first subway line is being built, 25 km long with 25 stations, connecting the downtown with the eastern suburbs and running parallel to the main road and rail arteries in this direction. By 1990 the line is projected to carry 20 thousand people a day. Surveys for the route of the western radius of the 19.3 km long line began.

In San Diego in May 1984 began construction of the first line of the east radius, and in 1985 construction of the second line was to begin. The length of the line is 25.7 km with 12 stations. According to forecasts, in 1995 the line will transport about 26 thousand people daily. For perspective building of three more metro lines is planned.

In San Francisco a number of auxiliary facilities of the subway are under construction: a 2.4 km long single-track branch tunnel, intended for withdrawal of faulty trains, as well as a U-turn loop with reserve tracks.

Construction of the first underground line in Los Angeles with length of 29 km and 17 stations was started (in the future one more station is planned to be built on the line). The line is scheduled to begin service in 1990. This line is the first phase of the subway network, as envisioned by the master plan. The trains will be supplied with current through the third rail with direct current at 750 V. Train movement will be fully automated. Maximum speed will be 110 km/h, trip on the route will take 35 min. The interval during rush hours will be 3.5 min. According to forecasts already in the first year of operation the line will carry about 300 thousand people per working day.

Two new sections of the Red line with a total length of 22.4 km were put into service in Washington and the length of subway lines reached 97.3 km. Works continue on four sections with total length of 21 km, which will be completed by 1991. In addition, design of a number of sections with total length of 28.8 km is at the final stage. In Italy new subway cars were purchased, which are similar in appearance to the old ones, but have up to 40 improvements, which will significantly contribute to increasing the capacity of subway lines.

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It is also noteworthy that the New York City subway is the largest in the world in terms of the number of lines (28) and stations (472). At the same time, the leader in passenger traffic is the Tokyo subway, which carries almost 3.2 billion passengers annually, and the Shanghai subway is first in total length of lines – 494 kilometers.

Each New York City subway line is identified by either a letter or a number. Never mind the colors. Unless you limit your use of the subway to the Midtown area, relying on colors is a sure way to get lost.

Virtually all lines in Manhattan run north or south, and the direction is always clearly indicated on the platforms and in the train announcements. In general, “Bronx direction” and “Queens direction” are identical to the north direction (“Uptown”), while “Brooklyn direction” is identical to the south direction (“Downtown”). Direction is also indicated above the station entrance (e.g. “Uptown, Bronx and Queens” or “Downtown and Brooklyn”), so be careful when you enter the station. If no direction is given, then this entrance can be used for both northbound and southbound routes.

Manhattan’s “tourist” lines

The Lexington Avenue line (Routes 4, 5, 6) is actually the only line on the East Side north of 23rd Street. It provides access to the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Routes 4, 5, or 6 to the 86th Street station or 6 to the 77th Street station), the Guggenheim Museum (Routes 4, 5, or 6 to the 86th Street station), and other East Side museums. Also to the Statue of Liberty (Routes 4, 5 to Bowling Green Station), Chinatown (Route 6 to Canal Street Station), and Yankee Stadium (Route 4 to 161st Street – Yankee Stadium Station).

The Seventh Avenue line (Routes 1, 2, 3) serves Broadway north of 42nd Street and Seventh Avenue south of 42nd Street. It provides access to the West Village, Chelsea, and Tribeca neighborhoods as well as ferries to Staten Island or the Statue of Liberty (route 1 to South Ferry Station) and Columbia University (route 1 to 116th Street Station).

The Eighth Avenue Line (Routes A, C, E) serves Eighth Avenue between 14th and 116th Streets, then St. Nicholas Avenue, Broadway, and Fort Washington Avenue (Ft. Washington Av.), starting at the 125th Street station in Harlem. It provides access to the Museum of Natural History (route C to 81st Street Station), Central Park West (route C makes stops along Central Park West Avenue), the Cloisters Museum (route A to 190th Street Station), John F. Kennedy Airport (route A to Howard Beach Station or E to Jamaica Station).

The Sixth Avenue Line (Routes B, D, F, M) runs along 6th Avenue from West 4th Street to 57th Street (or 47th to 50th Streets on all routes except the F). It provides access to the Museum of Modern Art, Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall and St. Patrick’s Cathedral (47th to 50th Streets), and the Coney Island to Stillwell Avenue station. The Grand Street station on the B and D routes is the best all-purpose stop in Chinatown. In addition, the D route converges with the Eighth Avenue line from the 59th Street – Columbus Circle station to the 145th Street station and is suitable for getting to Harlem or Yankee Stadium (161st Street – Yankee Stadium station).

The Broadway line (routes N, Q, R) runs down Broadway south of 42nd Street and along 7th Avenue north of Times Square. The N, Q, R trains take you to Chinatown (Canal Street station), SoHo/Noho, NYU, Union Square, the Empire State Building (34th Street station), Times Square (42nd Street station), Carnegie Hall (57th Street station), Central Park (57th Street – 5th Avenue station) and the southern end of the Upper East Side. The R and W trains also run south to the Financial District and the South Ferry – Whitehall Street station.

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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).

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