---
title: "Public Transportation — AP Enviro Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "Public transportation is shared transit like buses and subways. In AP Enviro it's a mitigation strategy for urban sprawl, CO2 emissions, and noise pollution."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-enviro/key-terms/public-transportation"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Environmental Science"
---

# Public Transportation — AP Enviro Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

Public transportation refers to shared modes of transportation available for use by the general public. It includes services like buses, trains, trams/streetcars, subways/metros/undergrounds, ferries/boats/ships that operate on scheduled routes with fixed stops or stations.

## Related Study Guides

- [7.8 Noise Pollution](/ap-enviro/unit-7/noise-pollution/study-guide/55a1ghLYJsx9vOJFcYid)
- [5.10 Impacts of Urbanization](/ap-enviro/unit-5/impacts-urbanization/study-guide/uzvK2OeqgUJR8Ml2amhy)

## Review

### Related Terms

- Mass Transit: Mass transit refers to public transportation systems designed to move large numbers of people efficiently. It typically includes buses, trains, subways, or light rail systems that operate within urban areas.
- Sustainable Transportation: Sustainable transportation focuses on modes of travel that have minimal negative impacts on the environment. It promotes energy-efficient vehicles, alternative fuels, walking, cycling, and public transportation as alternatives to private car use.
- Commuter Rail: Commuter rail is a type of passenger train service that primarily serves suburban areas by transporting people between their homes and workplaces in urban centers. It offers scheduled trips during peak commuting hours.