These cities have the best public transportation in the world

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As cities grow day by day, we've come to realize that the ever-rising car traffic is bad news for us and the planet. This makes trains, buses, subways, and trams extremely important. So, which cities offer the best public transit systems in the world? Well, Time Out polled 20,000 people in 50 cities to find out how they feel about their local mass transit systems. While only residents were surveyed, it gives tourists a good perspective on where to go next and how best to get around.

 

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15. New York City, USA -

With years of underfunding becoming increasingly apparent, there's much criticism to level at New York's public transit system. However, there’s still no better way to get around NYC.

 

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15. New York City, USA -

NYC's subway is the largest in the world if you count by number of stations, and the extensive bus system makes traveling even easier away from the tracks. Over all, 83% of New Yorkers said it was easy to get around the city by public transit.

 

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14. Paris, France -

With the second-busiest subway system (Moscow comes in first) in Europe, Paris' densely-built network covers more than 300 stations across 16 lines.

 

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14. Paris, France -

In Time Out's survey, 84% of locals gave public transport in Paris the thumbs up.

 

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13. Edinburgh, Scotland -

Although Edinburgh is extremely walkable, the Scottish capital's public transport is great, with easy-to-use buses crossing the city 24/7.

 

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13. Edinburgh, Scotland -

And while the trams may not be as iconic as others in the British north, 88% of locals said it was easy to get around by public transport.

 

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12. Madrid, Spain -

Madrid's public transport system is one of the most comprehensive in Europe. Plus, it covers light rail, buses, subways, and also regional trains.

 

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12. Madrid, Spain -

Probably for these reasons, 88% of surveyed Madrid locals said they are happy with the city's public transport network.

 

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11. London, England -

The London Underground first opened as an underground railway in 1863, and its first electrified underground line opened in 1890, making it the world's oldest metro system.

 

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11. London, England -

Aesthetically iconic, London's buses, trains, and underground are easy to use and super efficient. Unsurprisingly, 91% of Londoners said it was easy to get around by public transport.

 

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10. Amsterdam, Netherlands -

While you'll notice hordes of bicycles across the Dutch capital, Amsterdam's public transport covers plenty of ground and water, too.

 

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10. Amsterdam, Netherlands -

The city’s network of trains, trams, ferries, and buses does a great job, so it's no surprise that 91% of locals praised the city's public transport system.

 

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9. Shanghai, China -

Second only to New York by number of stations, Shanghai's metro is the largest in the world when it comes to the distance it covers. In fact, the subway system in Shanghai was actually modeled from the NYC system.

 

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9. Shanghai, China -

Alongside the trains, Shanghai's buses, maglevs, taxis, and ferries can be paid for using the contactless Shanghai Public Transportation Card. The city's residents are certainly satisfied, as 91% said it was easy to cross the city using public transport.

 

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8. Taipei, Taiwan -

The Taipei Metro (or MRT) is one of the busiest light-rail systems in the world, but it's still extremely efficient.

 

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8. Taipei, Taiwan -

One of the most easily traversed cities in Asia, 92% of locals rated the public transport network positively.

 

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7. Hong Kong -

Routinely ranked high among the best in the world, Hong Kong's public transport is efficient, clean, and comfortable.

 

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7. Hong Kong -

With 75% of the population living within 0.6 miles (1 km) of a metro station, 92% of Hongkongers praised their city's transit system.

 

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6. Singapore -

It's no surprise that public transport in Singapore is efficient, clean, and modern. On top of that, all buses are wheelchair-accessible, and strollers are allowed.