As we head into the holiday season – a time to pause, reflect, and give thanks – it’s easy to think of family dinners, cozy travels and the people who make our lives better. But there’s another unsung hero we should celebrate: public transport.
Every day, buses, trains, and light-rail systems quietly keep our communities moving. They connect millions of people to opportunity, reduce emissions, and make cities more livable. In many ways, transit embodies the spirit of Thanksgiving – bringing people together, supporting equity and sustaining the places we call home.
That’s why, instead of our usual Cubic Exchange article, we’ve decided to deliver this special Thanksgiving edition, sharing the top ten reasons we’re grateful for public transit.
1. It keeps our communities connected (literally and figuratively).
Public transport is more than a way to get from point A to B; it’s a shared experience that connects neighborhoods, cultures, and lives. Whether you’re chatting with a regular on your morning commute or watching new riders navigate their first bus trip, transit reminds us that we’re part of something larger. It’s the backbone of our cities, connecting people not just to destinations, but to one another.
2. It gives people access to opportunity.
Transit is one of society’s great equalizers. A strong public transportation network opens doors to jobs, schools, hospitals, and community services. For many, a transit smartcard or contactless fare card is more than a ticket – it’s a gateway to upward mobility. Studies show that people with access to reliable public transport are more likely to find and keep employment, attend higher education programs, and receive regular healthcare. When we invest in public transport, we invest in people’s futures.
3. It supports those who rely on it most.
For many riders, public transport isn’t a convenience; it’s essential. Students, elderly adults, restricted-income families and people with disabilities all depend on public transport to live independently. Ensuring frequent, affordable, and accessible service means every member of the community can participate fully in public life. This Thanksgiving, we’re thankful for a public transit network that keeps inclusion and accessibility at its core.
4. It reduces traffic and holiday season stress.
Anyone who’s ever sat in Thanksgiving weekend traffic knows how valuable transit can be. Each train or bus full of passengers represents dozens of cars that aren’t clogging the highway or fighting for parking at the shopping mall. Fewer cars means cleaner air, less traffic, and a calmer commute – something we can all be Thankful for during the year’s busiest travel season.
5. It’s one of the most climate-friendly ways to travel.
Transportation is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions – but public transit can help change that. One full bus can take up to 50 cars off the road, and as more of our bus and rail fleets become electrified, this benefit is only amplified. Every trip made on transit instead of a private car helps reduce carbon output and improve our local air quality. For transit agencies embracing zero-emission fleets or renewable energy operations, sustainability isn’t just a goal – it’s a daily practice.
6. It energizes local businesses.
Public transport doesn’t just move people, it fuels our economies. When buses and trains connect to neighborhoods efficiently, people are more likely to explore local shops, dine out, and attend community events. Transit-oriented development has been shown to raise foot traffic and revenue from small businesses. Whether it's downtown cafés or holiday markets, thriving local economies often start with accessible, dependable transit lines.
7. It makes cities more affordable.
Owning and maintaining a car is expensive. Gas, insurance, maintenance, and parking add up quickly. Public transit offers families a cost-effective alternative, allowing them to redirect savings towards essentials like housing, food, or education. According to the American Public Transportation Association, households can save over $10,000 annually by relying on transit instead of owning a second vehicle. In an era of rising living costs, that’s something to be thankful for.
8. It creates employment.
Behind every transit trip is a team of dedicated professionals, including operators, cleaners, mechanics, engineers, dispatchers, and customer-service agents who keep our systems running 365 days a year. Even on holidays, our transit professionals ensure buses depart on time and stations stay clean and safe. Their work often goes unseen, but never unfelt. This Thanksgiving, we extend special thanks to the transit workers who make it all possible.
9. It creates safer, more vibrant streets.
Transit-rich communities are safer and more livable. Fewer cars mean less need for road space and parking. Reclaiming this valuable urban land from cars allows us to use it for activities that promote social good, such as public walkways, cycle lanes, and green space. Transit encourages walking, reduces speeding and traffic noise, and supports compact urban design that brings amenities closer together. In short, it builds the kinds of places people want to live in, visit, and celebrate.
10. It brings us home.
At its heart, transit is about connection – between places, people, and moments. It’s the train that takes you home for Thanksgiving dinner, the bus that carries you to your first job interview, or the tram that lets you visit friends without worrying about parking. Transit isn’t just infrastructure; it’s part of the emotional fabric of our lives.
So, as we gather around our tables this holiday season, let’s take a moment to appreciate the systems, people and innovations that make our journeys possible. Because in every sense, transit keeps us moving forward – together.
A Note of Thanks
We believe in the power of public transit to move people, places, and possibilities.
To the riders who trust public transport every day, the engineers design smarter systems and the transit workers who keep operations running – we thank you. Your collective efforts make our communities more connected, sustainable, and equitable.