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DC public transport - One of the best?
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Just look at this new fancy pancy DC Metro Bus. It
even boasts soft LED interior lighting.
Does Washington, DC have one of the best public transportation systems in the world? In short, yes! I know what you are thinking; what about the under-funding, recent spate of accidents, constant glitches and the super crowded Metro red line? Believe it or not, even with its recent woes, Metro Rail and Metro Bus continue to provide remarkably stellar public movement.
One need only marvel at the relatively clean carpet inside the trains or the new super modern and sleek silver buses circulating around DC. For the most part, DC residents can travel and arrive in relative comfort without ever needing to own a car. Just try the test: how long does it take you to leave your front door and board the nearest public transport that can take you to your desired destination? If you can get to wear you want to go within an hour, that is pretty darn good.
Globally, DC public transport holds its own rather well. Here are some similar, top transport options should you find yourself traveling this summer both domestically and abroad:
1. B.A.R.T. (Bay Area Rapid Transit) California- San Francisco has a rather nifty set of cable cars, trolleys and subways not to mention numerous bus routes. This is one city that is not only easy to get around but super-scenic as well.
2. S.M.R.T. Singapore - Fancy super on-time combined with super clean? You will not find even a tiny bit of graffiti on Singapore's above and below ground train system. Additionally, many of the more crowded stations have a nifty safety gate that only opens when the train is in the platform thereby eliminating any chance of someone falling on the tracks (or jumping on them).
3. Tokyo's Metro (and just about anything train related in Japan) - The Tokyo Metro is a work of art, literally. You will never find a cleaner and more comfy subway system. In addition, trains offer a women only car during rush hour so women and young children can "ride with a sense of security". That's neat. You also will not find people talking on their cell phones here and ringers MUST be on silent for the duration of the trip (hint hint DC Metro).
4. Paris Metro France - Le Metro as it is known locally. Parisians enjoy style and that extends to their public transport. The Paris Metro system is sleek and many of the stations feature remarkable permanent or rotating art installations. It can be slightly confusing if moving from the Metro to regular city trains but the conductors are generally understanding of out-of-towners should you accidentally find yourself heading deep into the suburbs with the wrong fare on hand
5. Seattle Ferries Washington State - Where else can you simply drive aboard a boat, enjoy a sun bathing session on the way to work (in the summer) and be amazed by stunning views of Puget Sound? Seattle, Washington of course. With the Olympic Peninsula in the background and the possibility of seeing killer whales during a morning commute, the Seattle ferries truly take the cake.
Some of the worst:
1. Rome subway - I took the Rome, Italy subway for two stops in the central part of the city and quickly surfaced for fear of my life. Every inch of every surface is covered with graffiti and there are dubious looking characters everywhere. The Termini station is hell on earth. Plus side? The above-ground trains are not so bad.
2. Jakarta, Indonesia train system - System is a term that should be used lightly as it implies some sense of order. People ride on the roof of the trains in Jakarta mere inches from death by electrocution (in order to escape the crowdedness). You cannot simply buy a ticket at a booth as hawkers have already bought the tickets for the day so you must bargain with them to receive the honor of maybe arriving at your destination.
3. London Subway - It's hot, crowded, smoky and by golly, why can't they simply bridge that darn "gap" between the train and platform. As charming as the underground trains can be, the system as a whole is just rather unpleasant and in desperate need of massive modernization. Plus side? The cross-country trains are mighty comfy if often late.
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