Top 10 Cities with Well-Established Public Transportation Systems Worldwide

public transportation illustration

Hello, this time we will introduce the top 10 cities in the world with well-established public transportation systems. Public transportation is a vital element that breathes life into a city, providing convenient and affordable mobility for its residents. So, you might be wondering which cities excel in their public transportation systems. According to a joint report by the think tank Oliver Wyman Forum and the Transportation Research Institute at the University of California, Berkeley, the following cities have been evaluated as the world's best in terms of public transportation:

 

Hong Kong illustration

TOP 1  Hong Kong

 

• Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway (MTR): Hong Kong's primary public transportation system is the Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway (MTR). This subway system is renowned as one of the most modern and cleanest in the world. The MTR connects Hong Kong Island with its surrounding areas and is popular for its high operational efficiency and safety.

 

• Airport Express: The Airport Express, connecting Hong Kong International Airport to the city center, is also a fast and convenient public transportation option. This train swiftly shuttles travelers between the airport and the city.

 

• Diverse Modes of Transportation: Hong Kong offers a variety of transportation options, including buses, trams, ferries, and cable cars, providing its citizens and visitors with a wide range of mobility choices.

 

• Punctual Services: Hong Kong's subway and other public transportation modes are known for their minimal delays, offering precise timetables and reliable services.

 

• Integrated Payment System: Hong Kong's public transportation system provides an integrated payment system using the Octopus card, making it convenient to use multiple modes of transportation.

 

• Environmentally Friendly: Opting for public transportation is more environmentally friendly than using private cars, and Hong Kong contributes to reducing pollution and traffic congestion through its public transit.

 

• Integration with Tourist Attractions: Hong Kong's public transportation is linked to various tourist attractions, providing travelers with a convenient and seamless mobility experience.

Hong Kong's public transportation system plays a pivotal role as one of the city's core infrastructures, enabling efficient mobility for both its residents and tourists. Such efforts are crucial in making Hong Kong a globally competitive city.

 

 

Zurich illustration

TOP 2  Zurich

 

• Swiss Transport Hub: Zurich serves as Switzerland's transportation hub, being a central point in Switzerland's domestic and international transportation network. It boasts excellent connectivity to other Swiss cities and European countries, with various transportation facilities like airports, train stations, and bus terminals.

 

• Railway Network: Zurich is connected to one of Switzerland's most vital railway routes, the Zurich Hauptbahnhof (Swiss Station). This station offers a wide range of domestic and international train services, making it easy to travel from Zurich to other Swiss cities and European destinations.

 

• Trams and Buses: Zurich operates a well-organized tram and bus network, providing excellent connectivity within the city and offering residents and visitors multiple commuting options.

 

• Punctuality: Switzerland is renowned for its precise schedules and punctuality, and Zurich's public transportation system is no exception. Transportation services generally depart on time, maintaining Switzerland's reputation for accuracy and reliability.

 

• Environmentally Friendly: Switzerland promotes eco-friendly transportation and actively supports electric-based public transportation. Zurich's public transportation system focuses on minimizing its environmental impact.

 

• Transportation Investment: Zurich consistently invests in transportation infrastructure, executing various improvement projects within the city to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance efficiency.

 

• Transportation Safety: Zurich receives high marks for transportation safety, with low traffic accident fatality rates, providing its citizens with a secure transportation environment.

Zurich's public transportation system plays a crucial role in Switzerland's transportation infrastructure and economic performance, contributing to its status as an international transportation hub.

 

Stockholm illustration

TOP 3 Stockholm

 

• High Accessibility: Stockholm offers a wide range of transportation options, including subways, trams, buses, ferries, and regional trains, connecting major city areas and suburbs, providing high accessibility for residents and tourists.

 

• Low Traffic Congestion: Stockholm is known for its low traffic congestion and smooth-flowing road traffic. This is largely attributed to the efficient operation of its public transportation system, which reduces the reliance on private cars.

 

• Air Quality Assessment: Stockholm is recognized for its high air quality, ensuring clean air and an environmentally friendly atmosphere. Public transportation usage significantly reduces air pollution and improves the city environment.

 

• Safe Transportation System: Stockholm's public transportation system ensures a safe environment. Low road accidents and a strong focus on road safety make Sweden one of the countries prioritizing traffic safety.

 

• Artistic Station Interiors: Stockholm's subway system is famous for its artistic station interiors, adorned with various art pieces and decorations, offering passengers the joy of art appreciation during their subway journeys.

 

• Eco-Friendly Project "Net Zero": Stockholm aims to achieve a "Net Zero" eco-friendly project by 2040, expanding public transportation and bicycle lanes while actively promoting environmentally friendly transportation options.

Stockholm enhances the city's convenience, safety, and sustainability through its public transportation system and environmentally friendly transportation policies, providing an excellent urban experience for its citizens and visitors.

 

Singapore illustration

TOP 4 Singapore

 

• Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) System: Singapore's core public transportation system, the MRT, is well-known for its high-speed, purpose-designed rail network. It connects various regions in Singapore and is linked to the international airport. The MRT is renowned for its precise schedules, clean trains, and efforts to reduce private car usage through congestion pricing.

 

• Comprehensive Public Transportation Network: Singapore's public transportation includes not only the MRT but also buses, trams, ferries, and dedicated lanes, offering diverse commuting options for citizens and visitors.

 

• Innovative Payment Systems: Singapore provides innovative payment systems like the EZ-Link card and NETS card, making public transportation convenient and facilitating easy access to various modes of transportation.

 

• Urban Space Utilization: Singapore encourages efficient urban space utilization, promoting public transportation use and discouraging private car usage. Policies like congestion pricing and increased parking fees aim to limit downtown driving and promote public transportation.

 

• Environmentally Friendly Transportation Policies: Singapore actively promotes public transportation and environmentally friendly transportation policies, contributing to environmental protection and congestion reduction.

 

• Urban Planning and Development: Singapore continually improves the efficiency of its public transportation system through urban planning and development efforts and plans for future public transportation projects.

 

Singapore's public transportation system offers an effective alternative for the city's future, providing environmentally friendly and efficient mobility. It plays a significant role in the city's economic growth and is considered an international benchmark.

 

Helsinki illustration

TOP 5 Helsinki

 

• Diverse Transportation Options: Helsinki is renowned for its diverse public transportation options, including buses, trams, subways, commuter trains, ferries, and more, making it easy for citizens and visitors to navigate the city and its surroundings.
  
  
• Transit Planning App: Helsinki supports easy public transportation usage through smartphone apps. One startup has developed a transit planning app that integrates information on various transportation modes, routes, and schedules, helping users plan daily commutes and other journeys.
  
  
• Integrated Transportation: Helsinki's public transportation system is interconnected with the national railway system, facilitating seamless travel between the city and its suburbs, reducing congestion, and enhancing convenience for citizens.
  
  
• Environmentally Friendly: Helsinki focuses on improving air quality and promoting eco-friendly transportation methods, including an expanded network of bicycle lanes, enabling walking and cycling as enjoyable modes of transportation.
  
  
• Efficient Commutes: Helsinki's public transportation system operates efficiently even during rush hours, allowing citizens to avoid traffic congestion and making daily life more convenient.
  
  
• Car Restraint Policies: Helsinki advocates for a "car-free city" and actively discourages private car use, implementing policies such as congestion pricing and increased parking fees to limit urban driving and encourage public transportation usage.
•  

Helsinki's public transportation system enhances the city's quality of life, contributes to environmental protection, and provides convenience through smart technology and efficiency for all users.

 

 

Oslo illustration

TOP 6 Oslo

 

• Car-Free City: Oslo is gradually working towards becoming a "car-free city" by implementing policies that discourage individual car use and promote public transportation and eco-friendly modes of transportation. This effort aims to reduce traffic congestion and make urban commuting smoother.
  
  
• Congestion Charges: Oslo has introduced congestion charges for vehicles entering the city center to control traffic congestion and protect the environment. These policies help reduce car usage and make public transportation more appealing.
  
  
• Bicycle Infrastructure: Oslo continues to expand and improve its bicycle infrastructure, including bike lanes and bike-sharing systems, to make it easier for citizens to use bicycles and encourage eco-friendly transportation.
  
  
• Diverse Transportation Options: Oslo offers various transportation modes such as subways, trams, buses, and ferries to provide convenient mobility for its citizens. These transportation options connect the city center with the suburbs and enhance accessibility to tourist attractions.
  
  
• Eco-Friendly Public Transportation: Oslo's public transportation system emphasizes environmental friendliness by introducing electric buses, hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles, and eco-friendly fuel-based transportation modes. These efforts contribute to improving air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

 

• Parking Policies: By increasing parking fees and expanding parking facilities, Oslo provides favorable conditions for citizens who prefer public transportation over personal vehicle usage.

Oslo is committed to building an environmentally friendly and efficient transportation system to promote sustainable urban development and reduce traffic congestion. These efforts play a significant role in making Oslo a modern and sustainable city.

 

Tokyo illustration

TOP 7 Tokyo

 

• Extensive Transportation Network: Tokyo boasts one of the world's most extensive suburban train and subway networks. With systems like Tokyo Metro and JR Tokyo Lines, it provides convenient mobility for both citizens and tourists throughout the city.
  
  
• Punctuality: Tokyo's public transportation system prioritizes punctuality, ensuring trains and buses depart and arrive on time, making it easy for commuters to manage their schedules.
  
  
• Tokyo Metro: Tokyo Metro, the city's subway system, is renowned for its artistic station designs and accurate timetables. Each station offers various amenities and shops for passengers' convenience.
  
  
• Connected to High-Speed Trains: Tokyo is connected to Japan's high-speed train network, including the Shinkansen, allowing easy travel between Tokyo and other Japanese cities, contributing to domestic and international travel convenience.
  
  
• Promoting Walking and Biking: Tokyo actively promotes walking and cycling by providing pedestrian-friendly streets and bicycle lanes in the city center, encouraging eco-friendly modes of transportation.
  
  
• Integrated Transportation Platforms: Tokyo offers integrated smartphone apps and online platforms for convenient booking and payment of transportation services, making it easy for travelers to use Tokyo's public transportation.

 

• Linked to Tourist Attractions: Tokyo's public transportation system is linked to major tourist attractions, making it convenient for tourists to explore the city and enjoy cultural experiences.

Tokyo's public transportation system provides efficient urban mobility, making it easy for both residents and tourists to navigate the city. These efforts contribute to Tokyo's competitiveness as a global city.

 

Paris illustration

TOP 8 Paris

 

• Subway (Metro): Paris's subway system, known as the Métro, is a powerful network connecting the city center with the suburbs. It is famous for its beautiful art and decorations at each station, and it provides efficient operation and accurate timetables for the convenience of citizens and visitors.
  
  
• RER (Réseau Express Régional): RER is a regional railway system that connects Paris's city center with the suburbs, facilitating commuting and travel to various regions.
  
  
• Tramway: Paris is complementing its transportation network with tram systems that connect the city center and the suburbs.
  
  
• Grand Paris Express Project: The Grand Paris Express Project, scheduled for completion by 2030, is a crucial effort to improve public transportation in Paris. This project aims to reduce urban congestion and minimize its impact on the environment.
  
  
• Integrated App: Paris provides an integrated public transportation app that allows citizens and tourists to conveniently use various transportation modes, such as bicycles, electric scooters, buses, and the subway.
  
  
• Eco-Friendly Public Transportation: Paris promotes eco-friendly public transportation options and develops sustainable transportation alternatives. Electric scooters and bicycle-sharing systems are also active within the city.
  
  
• Connected to Famous Landmarks: Paris's public transportation is integrated with major landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and cathedrals, making it convenient for tourists to explore the city.
  
  
• Paris's public transportation system offers convenient urban mobility and supports eco-friendly transportation options while contributing to the city's environmental protection efforts. The continuous innovation and improvement of urban transportation infrastructure are essential components of Paris's future city plans.

 

Berlin illustration

TOP 9 Berlin

• Subway (U-Bahn) and Suburban Trains (S-Bahn): Berlin has an extensive railway network consisting of the U-Bahn (subway) and S-Bahn (suburban trains). These two railway systems connect the city with its surrounding areas, providing rapid and efficient transportation.
  
  
• Trams: Berlin offers tram services on many streets, facilitating cross-city and suburban connections, reducing urban traffic congestion, and providing an environmentally friendly alternative.
  
  
• Ferries: Several ferry services cross the Spree River, aiding in crossing to different areas.
  
  
• Integrated Transportation App: Berlin provides an integrated transportation app that allows efficient planning and use of various modes of transportation, such as purchasing tickets, route navigation, and real-time arrival information.
  
  
• Environmentally Friendly: Berlin's public transportation serves as an eco-friendly option to reduce car usage and contribute to improved air quality. Additionally, bicycle lanes and public bike-sharing programs support citywide mobility.

 

• Urban Transport: Berlin's public transportation efficiently supports urban mobility, making major areas, museums, parks, shops, and restaurants easily accessible.

Berlin continues to offer comfortable and efficient mobility for its citizens and visitors through modern public transportation infrastructure. These efforts enhance the city's quality of life and contribute to environmental protection.

 

London  illustration

TOP 10 London

• Subway (London Underground): London's subway system, known as "the Tube," is an extensive network connecting the city center with the suburbs. It offers multiple lines and stations, each identified by different colors and names for easy recognition.
  
  
• Buses: London operates a vast bus network, connecting the city center with its suburbs. It includes double-decker and regular buses, covering various routes.
  
  
• Trains (London Overground and Docklands Light Railway): In addition to the subway, London has above-ground train lines like the London Overground and Docklands Light Railway, connecting the city with different regions.
  
  
• Bicycle Infrastructure: London promotes cycling through dedicated bicycle lanes and the "Boris Bikes" public bicycle rental system, offering eco-friendly transportation options.
  
  
• Oyster Cards and Contactless Payment: London's public transportation allows easy payments through Oyster cards and contactless payment systems, integrating various modes of transport for convenient fare management.
  
  
• Planner Apps: London provides various mobile apps to assist with public transportation, helping citizens and tourists plan their routes and access real-time information.

 

• Future Development: London continues to innovate and expand its public transportation system, with new subway lines and stations planned to improve the city's transportation landscape.

London's public transportation system offers excellent opportunities for city exploration and travel convenience while promoting eco-friendly transportation options. It plays a significant role in reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality in the city.

 

 

 

Public transportation is highly efficient for urban transportation compared to personal vehicles and provides equal opportunities for many people in terms of additional mobility, employment, shopping, and more. Additionally, its eco-friendliness is an advantage, so the future development of public transportation technology and infrastructure is anticipated.

 

This article is based on the data from the Korea Road Traffic Research Institute.