Urban Transportation in Canada

Public transportation & Transit passes

All cities and most major towns in Canada have a public transportation system with one or more forms of transportation (bus, subway, train, etc.). The bus is the most common form of urban transportation in Canada. To use public transportation, you must buy a ticket or a transit pass. Transit passes allow you unlimited use of public transportation for a specific period (one month or more). They are usually cheaper than buying many tickets if you plan to use public transportation often.

Transportation for people with disabilities

Public transportation often has features to help people with disabilities. In many cities and towns, there are also transportation services available specifically for people with limited mobility, such as specially equipped buses. You can find out about these services in the same way you would learn more about other public transportation options.

Manners on public transportation

When taking public transportation, it is important to understand the unspoken rules of behaviors in the shared space. Here are a few things to note:

◆Be polite and respectful to others around you. For example, maintain an appropriate noise level when talking or making a phone call.

◆If you are carrying a backpack or a large shoulder bag in a crowded public transit vehicle, keep it close to you.

◆Avoid pushing or touching others in order to make more room for yourself.

◆Have your proof of payment within easy reach in case you are asked to show it.

The familiar yellow school bus is the largest system of mass transportation in the US and every school day transports roughly 25 million young people to school and home again after the school days end. Meanwhile it is the safest method for getting kids to and from school according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Admission. Children are 70 times more likely to arrive at school safely on the school bus than if they travel to school driving themselves or riding with friends.

These school buses meet more of the nation's motor vehicle safety standards than any other vehicles on the road. Also, several new technologies available today are making school buses even safer, such as video cameras on the inside and outside, GPS tracking and crash lessening systems. Another safety tool on school buses is high seat backs, closely-spaced seats and energy-absorbing seats.

But even the security of school buses would not completely sum up why children are safer when riding the big yellow bus. The bus is only as safe as the professional men and women who drive them. All drivers must be equipped with a Class B or C Commercial Driver's License. They are randomly （随机地）tested for alcohol and drugs, usually have their driving record checked and are given the same review of criminal history as teachers and other employees who have contact with students. In order to serve as a school bus driver, most applicants are required to successfully complete a training course, along with instructions in the classroom and behind the wheel.

School buses are safe for the environment, not only because each bus takes the place of 36 passenger cars that would, but for the buses, be on the road taking and picking up school children. Apart from that, school buses use renewable green fuels（燃料） like natural gas, and electric power.

Todd Monteferrario, president of the National School Transportation Association, said parents should remember that the safest and smartest choice is to put their children on the big yellow bus when they can.

Stewart Island Ferry Services

While most visitors spend at least one night on Stewart Island, it is also readily accessible by ferry as a day excursion(远足) from Invercargill and Bluff. Experience Foveaux Strait in comfort and style on board our express catamarans(快艇). During the one-hour crossing between Bluff and Stewart Island keep a lookout for wildlife, especially seabirds.

Free tea and coffee on board.

Interpretation handouts are available (English only).

Wheelchair access available.

Personal baggage is carried free on the ferries—max. two bags per person. Additional baggage is by advance arrangement.

Vehicle parking available at Bluff (extra cost—reservations recommended).

Buy 2 or more different excursions and SAVE 20% off all lower priced!

Kids Go FREE on selected departures during NZ School Holidays!

Kids Go FREE for travel 20 April—5 May 2020!