Note: for subject-specific definitions relating to expenses, funding,
passengers, buses, rail, and other subjects, see the definitions in those
sections.
Public transportation (public transit, transit, mass transit, mass transportation) is transportation by a conveyance that provides regular and continuing general or special transportation to the public, but not including school buses, charter or sightseeing service.
A transit agency (transit system) is an entity (public or private) responsible for administering and managing transit activities and services. Transit agencies can directly operate transit service or contract out for all or part of the total transit service provided. When responsibility is with a public entity, it is a public transit agency. When more than one mode of service is operated, it is a multimode transit agency.
A mode is the system for carrying transit passengers described by specific right-of-way, technology and operational features. Transit data are generally collected by mode.
Intermodal (multimodal) are those issues or activities which involve or affect more than one mode of transportation, including transportation connections, choices, cooperation and coordination of various modes.
Fixed-route service provided on a repetitive, fixed-schedule basis along a specific route with vehicles stopping to pick up and deliver passengers to specific locations; each fixed-route trip serves the same origins and destinations, unlike paratransit. Includes route deviation service, where revenue vehicles deviate from fixed routes on a discretionary basis.
Non-fixed-route service is not provided on a repetitive, fixed-schedule basis along a specific route to specific locations. Paratransit is the only non-fixed-route mode.
Other general definitions include:
A carpool is an arrangement where two or more people share the use and cost of privately owned vehicles in traveling together to and from pre-arranged destinations. Carpools are not public transportation.
A commuter is a person who travels regularly between home and work or school.
The National Transportation System is an intermodal system consisting of all forms of transportation in a unified, interconnected manner to reduce energy consumption and air pollution while promoting economic development and supporting the nation's preeminent position in international commerce. The NTS includes the National Highway System (NHS), public transportation and access to ports and airports.
Reverse commuting is movement in a direction opposite the main flow of traffic, such as from the central city to a suburb during the morning peak period.
Ridesharing is a form of transportation, other than a transit agency, in which more than one person shares the use of the vehicle, such as a van or car, to make a trip. Also known as "carpooling" or "vanpooling."
An urban place is a U.S. Bureau of the Census-designated area (less than 50,000 population) consisting of closely settled territory not populous enough to form an urbanized area.
An urbanized area (UZA) is an area defined by the U.S. Census Bureau that includes one or more incorporated cities, villages and towns (central place) and the adjacent densely settled surrounding territory (urban fringe) that together have a minimum of 50,000 persons. The urban fringe generally consists of contiguous territory having a density of at least 1,000 persons per square mile. UZAs do not conform to congressional districts or any other political boundaries. Most U.S. government transit funding is based on urbanized areas
