Why is public transportation so much better in Europe?

Public transport in Europe is often superior due to higher population density, older, more integrated urban planning (less car-centric), significant government investment and subsidies treating it as a public service, and a greater cultural reliance on it, leading to extensive, reliable networks covering cities and regions efficiently with high-speed rail connecting major hubs.

Why is public transport better in Europe?

European cities, many of which were built centuries before the rise of automobiles, are naturally dense and walkable. Narrow streets lend themselves more easily to public transit, like buses, trams, and trains, rather than private cars.

Why doesn't the U.S. have a train system like Europe?

In the U.S., passenger rail is stifled because of its aging infrastructure, a problem only made worse by decades of political disagreements and earlier lobbying from automobile and aviation industries that called for competing investments in their infrastructure.

Which country in Europe has the best public transport?

Switzerland, hands down. Our train was delayed once for 3 min and they had a warning saying it was late. The Swiss are very punctual. The transit app is also the easiest one I've used.

Why are European trains so much better?

Overall, European trains are more punctual, more frequent, more efficient and with a better quality ride. By contrast, Amtrak are slower, infrequent and with a poorer ride quality but generally more spacious, more comfortable and with better onboard amenities and staff.

Why Europe Is Insanely Well Designed

Why does Europe not take American cars?

"We tend to have higher fuel prices than the Americans, so we prefer smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles, while they generally prefer larger vehicles." Mr Engellau, who works for Swedish investment bank Handelsbanken Capital Markets, also highlights petrol prices being substantially cheaper in the US.

Is $100 a day enough in Europe?

Yes, €100 a day can be enough in Europe for a budget-conscious traveler, especially in Eastern Europe or for basic living in Western Europe, but it's tight for expensive cities like Paris, Amsterdam, or Zurich and doesn't typically include accommodation, which is the biggest variable. You'll need to prioritize cheap eats (bakeries, supermarkets), public transport, free activities, and use cards while carrying some cash for small vendors. 

Why doesn't the US have more public transit?

In contrast to other Western countries, public transport use is low and mostly by the poor, which makes it harder to raise additional funds. In response to reductions in Federal support for public transport, individual states and cities sometimes levy local taxes to maintain their transit systems.

Which European country has no rail lines?

Nearly all European countries have operational railway lines, the only exceptions being Andorra (which never had one), Cyprus, Iceland, Malta and San Marino (whose single or multiple railway lines were either entirely or mostly dismantled).

In what country is all public transport free?

In 2020, Luxembourg became the first country to provide free public transport across its entire territory.

What is the Amtrak 750 mile rule?

The Amtrak 750-mile rule, established by the 2008 Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act (PRIIA), defines Long Distance Amtrak routes as those over 750 miles, receiving full federal funding, while routes under 750 miles are considered State-Supported corridors, requiring cost-sharing agreements with states for operations. This distinction dictates funding, making shorter corridors dependent on state budgets and potentially hindering expansion, as states must agree and fund them, unlike long-haul routes. 

Which country is no. 1 in railways?

The United States has the #1 largest railway network by total length, primarily for freight, followed by China and Russia, though China leads in high-speed rail usage and has a massive network for both freight and passengers, while India excels in passenger traffic. 

Will America ever get a high-speed rail?

Yes, the U.S. is finally seeing significant progress in high-speed rail (HSR) with projects like Brightline West (Las Vegas-SoCal, opening late 2028/2029) and upgrades to Amtrak's Acela in the Northeast Corridor, but building a widespread network faces hurdles like high costs, political division, and land acquisition. While no true "bullet train" system exists yet, dedicated lines are under construction, and plans for other corridors (like California's SF-LA, Texas Triangle, Cascadias) are advancing, suggesting a gradual shift towards HSR in the coming years.
 

Why do people with ADHD like trains?

People with ADHD (and often those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, as interests overlap) are drawn to trains due to their predictable patterns, rhythmic motion, detailed systems, and sensory richness, offering calming focus, structured stimulation, and an outlet for deep-dive special interests that can manage hyperactivity and restlessness, providing a sense of control and fascination.
 

Why does America need better public transportation?

By conservatively assuming that access to high-frequency, reliable transit could reduce the rate of car ownership by just a quarter of a percent each year, the $4.6 trillion investment to achieve world-class transit across the United States would save Americans over $5.4 trillion just from the costs of car ownership ...

Why is Europe so much more walkable?

America allocates much more space for automotive infrastructure, roads, bridges, parking garages/lots, while Europe allocates more space to public transit, large pedestrian sidewalks, and protected bike lanes.

Is Japan the only country with a bullet train?

Since 2014, Shinkansen trains run regularly at speeds up to 320 km/h (200 mph) on the Tōhoku Shinkansen; only the Shanghai maglev train, China Railway High-speed networks, and the Indonesian Jakarta-Bandung High-speed railway have commercial services that operate faster.

Which state has no rail?

Kuwait. Kuwait is an oil-wealthy nation whose transport system is highly dominated by roads. Currently, Kuwait has no railway, but several railway network projects are being planned.

Which country has the best train system in Europe?

Because of the punctuality and reliability of their public transport systems, the Swiss are the most frequent rail travelers in all of Europe. With a total rating of 7.2, Switzerland has “excellent intensity of use, notably driven by passenger traffic” as well as good quality of service and a very good safety.

What city in the US has the best public transit?

These Are the 10 U.S. Cities With the Best Public Transportation:

• New York.
• San Francisco.
• Boston.
• Jersey City.
• Washington D.C.
• Philadelphia.
• Chicago.
• Newark.

How long would a bullet train from NY to LA take?

A hypothetical, non-stop bullet train from New York to Los Angeles could take around 9-15 hours, depending on speed (e.g., 300 mph), but a realistic high-speed rail service, incorporating stops and current infrastructure, is projected by a proposed company (AmeriStarRail) to take under 72 hours, utilizing existing tracks and a mix of high-speed and conventional rail.
 

What is the largest city without a public transit system?

YouTuber Classy Whale found out on a recent visit to Arlington, Texas, which, with a population of 404,000, is the largest U.S. city with no trains, no scheduled buses, and no guarantee that the region's on-demand microtransit service will be there when you need it.

Which is the cheapest country to visit in Europe?

The cheapest European countries to visit consistently rank in the East and Southeast, with Albania, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Poland, North Macedonia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Moldova frequently topping budget lists for their low costs on accommodation, food, and activities, offering rich history, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant culture for much less than Western Europe. 

Is $20,000 enough to travel the world?

Yes, you absolutely can travel the world with $20,000, but the duration and style of your trip (e.g., 1 year of budget travel vs. a few months of comfort) heavily depend on your destination choices, accommodation, activities, and travel pace, with $20k often covering a year of slow travel in cheaper regions like Southeast Asia or 3-4 months exploring pricier areas like Europe by prioritizing hostels, local transport, and self-catering.
 

Is it better to use cash or card in Europe?

It's best to use both, relying primarily on tap-to-pay credit/debit cards for most purchases in cities while carrying some local cash for small vendors, tips, tolls, and emergencies, especially outside major hubs where cash is still king in some places like Southern/Eastern Europe. Cards offer fraud protection and convenience, but cash ensures you're covered for smaller, cash-only spots or unexpected situations, with Nordic countries being almost exclusively card-based and some Eastern/Southern European areas needing more cash.