public transport is an essential service that connects people to places, reduces traffic congestion, and lowers greenhouse gas emissions. But not all public transport systems are created equal. Some countries have invested more in developing efficient, affordable, and accessible public transport networks that serve the needs of their citizens and visitors.
In this article, we will rank the top 10 countries with the best public transport in 2023, based on various criteria such as infrastructure, social impact, market attractiveness, system efficiency, and network innovation. We will also provide some examples of the cities and modes of transport that make these countries stand out.
To compile this ranking, we used data from the Urban Mobility Readiness Index 2022, a study by consulting firm Oliver Wyman and the University of California, Berkeley, that analyzed public transportation systems in 60 major cities around the world. We also consulted other sources such as the World Economic Forum and the mayor.EU for additional information and insights.
Top 10 countries with the best public transport in 2023
10. Estonia
Estonia is a small Baltic country that has made significant strides in improving its public transport system in recent years. The country offers free public transport to all residents in its capital city, Tallinn, as well as in several other regions. This policy has increased ridership, reduced car ownership, and boosted social inclusion. Estonia also has a modern and integrated ticketing system that allows users to pay for different modes of transport with a single card or mobile app. The country is also investing in electric buses, trams, and trains to reduce its environmental impact.
9. Netherlands
The Netherlands is known for its extensive network of cycling paths and bike-sharing schemes, which make it one of the most bike-friendly countries in the world. But the country also has a high-quality public transport system that covers both urban and rural areas. The Netherlands has a dense and reliable railway network that connects all major cities and towns, as well as a comprehensive bus, tram, metro, and ferry service that operates within and between cities. The country also has a smart card system called OV-chipkaart that allows users to travel across different modes of transport with ease.
8. Hungary
Hungary is another country that offers free public transport to certain groups of people, such as students, pensioners, and disabled people. The country has a well-developed public transport system that consists of buses, trams, trolleybuses, metros, suburban trains, and boats. Budapest, the capital city, has one of the oldest and largest metro systems in Europe, as well as a scenic tram line that runs along the Danube river. Hungary also introduced a unified and discounted monthly pass in 2023 that covers all public bus and rail transport in the country.
7. Switzerland
Switzerland is famous for its scenic and punctual trains that run through the Alps and connect the country’s diverse regions. The country has one of the highest rates of public transport usage in Europe, with more than half of the population using it regularly. Switzerland also has an integrated ticketing system called SwissPass that allows users to access various modes of transport, such as trains, buses, trams, boats, cable cars, and bike-sharing services. The country is also committed to reducing its carbon footprint by electrifying its railway network and promoting renewable energy sources.
6. Spain
Spain has a modern and efficient public transport system that serves both its large cities and its rural areas. The country has a high-speed rail network that connects Madrid with other major cities such as Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, and Malaga. The country also has an extensive metro system that operates in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Bilbao, Seville, Malaga, and Palma de Mallorca. Spain also has a wide range of buses, trams, light rail, and ferries that complement its rail network. Spain also offers discounts and subsidies for public transport users who are young, elderly, unemployed, or disabled.
5. Cyprus
Cyprus is a small island nation that has made remarkable progress in improving its public transport system in recent years. The country has invested heavily in upgrading its bus network, which is the main mode of public transport on the island. The country has introduced new buses that are more comfortable, accessible, and eco-friendly. The country also has a smart card system called Cyta SmartPass that allows users to pay for their bus fares online or via their mobile phones. Cyprus also plans to introduce a tram system in Nicosia, the capital city, by 2025.
4. Germany
Germany is one of the leading countries in terms of public transport innovation and efficiency. The country has a vast and diverse public transport system that includes trains, buses, trams, metros, light rail, and regional express services. The country also has a unified and discounted monthly pass called the Deutschland Ticket that covers all public bus and rail transport in the country. The country also has a strong focus on sustainability and green mobility, as it aims to increase the share of renewable energy in its transport sector and reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Austria
Austria is another country that excels in public transport quality and affordability. The country has a comprehensive and integrated public transport system that covers both urban and rural areas. The country has a nationwide railway network that connects all major cities and regions, as well as a variety of local and regional transport options such as buses, trams, metros, and cable cars. The country also offers a low-cost annual pass called the Österreichcard that allows unlimited travel on all public transport modes in the country. The country also promotes environmental awareness and social equity by providing free or discounted public transport for students, seniors, and low-income groups.
2. Malta
Malta is a small island nation that has achieved remarkable results in improving its public transport system in recent years. The country has made public transport free for all residents since 2021, which has increased ridership, reduced traffic congestion, and improved air quality. The country has also modernized its bus fleet, which is the main mode of public transport on the island. The country has also introduced a smart card system called Tallinja that allows users to pay for their bus fares online or via their mobile phones. Malta also plans to introduce a metro system by 2027 to further enhance its public transport network.
1. Luxembourg
Luxembourg is the top-ranked country in terms of public transport quality and accessibility. The country has made public transport free for everyone since 2020, which has made it the first country in the world to do so. The country has a well-developed and integrated public transport system that includes trains, buses, trams, and funiculars. The country also has a smart card system called mKaart that allows users to access various modes of transport, as well as other services such as bike-sharing, car-sharing, and parking. The country also aims to become carbon-neutral by 2050 by investing in renewable energy sources and electric vehicles.
Conclusion
Public transport is not only a means of transportation, but also a means of social inclusion, environmental protection, and economic development. The countries that we have ranked in this article have demonstrated their commitment and vision to provide high-quality, affordable, and accessible public transport systems for their citizens and visitors. These countries can serve as role models and inspiration for other countries that aspire to improve their public transport systems and make them more sustainable and inclusive.
10 Most Asked Questions and Answers
Q: What are the benefits of public transport? A: Public transport can provide various benefits such as:
- Reducing traffic congestion and pollution by taking cars off the road
- Saving money and time by avoiding fuel costs, parking fees, and traffic delays
- Improving health and well-being by encouraging physical activity, reducing stress, and enhancing social interaction
- Increasing access and mobility by connecting people to places, opportunities, and services
- Supporting economic growth and development by creating jobs, boosting tourism, and enhancing productivity
Q: What are the challenges of public transport? A: Public transport can also face various challenges such as:
- Meeting the demand and expectations of users who want fast, reliable, comfortable, and convenient service
- Providing adequate coverage and frequency of service across different areas and times
- Ensuring safety and security of passengers and staff from accidents, crimes, and terrorism
- Managing costs and revenues of operating and maintaining the system
- Adapting to changing technologies, regulations, and environmental conditions
Q: What are the best practices for public transport? A: Some of the best practices for public transport include:
- Planning and designing the system based on user needs, preferences, and behaviors
- Integrating different modes of transport to provide seamless connectivity and intermodality
- Implementing smart ticketing systems to simplify payment and access
- Promoting public awareness and participation to increase ridership and satisfaction
- Investing in innovation and sustainability to improve efficiency and performance
Q: What are the types of public transport? A: Public transport can be classified into different types based on various criteria such as:
- Mode: The vehicle or infrastructure used to carry passengers or goods (e.g., bus, train, tram, metro, ferry, etc.)
- Service: The level or quality of service provided to users (e.g., express, rapid, regular, shuttle, etc.)
- Ownership: The entity or organization that owns or operates the system (e.g., public, private, mixed, etc.)
- Funding: The source or method of financing the system (e.g., fares, taxes, subsidies, etc.)
Q: What are the trends in public transport? A: Some of the trends in public transport include:
- Digitalization: The use of digital technologies to enhance service delivery, customer experience, and operational efficiency (e.g
