What makes the best public transport system? Most would agree that the three central "E's" – effective, efficient and extensive. Luckily, they didn't think of adding the word "expensive" there.
Melbourne, Australia
Named as the most livable city in Australia, Melbourne's great status can be attributed to a very organized public transport system, which includes the most productive tram network worldwide, a well-laid metropolitan railway network, a multitude of bus liners, inter-city railway operation and a world-famous hire a bike system.
London, U.K.
Do you know that London has the oldest underground train system on the planet? And it is also the very first one to install Wi-Fi coverage in its entire network! While the upgrades were only hastened due to the 2012 Summer Olympics, this city, which is the most urbanized zone in the European Union, makes public transport travel a worry-free experience.
New York City, USA
Probably the most iconic city in the world, the Big Apple boasts a very sophisticated public transport system. Its subway stations are thronged with literally "millions" of passengers every day: an average of 5.3 million rides! This city has around 460 stations with 1,355 kilometers of track and operates on a 24/7 basis all throughout the year.
Hong Kong, China
Hong Kong's groovy Automated People Mover is a paragon of public transportation. This city's Mass Transit Railway, thronged by thousands of passengers every day, sets the gold standard for all Chinese public transportation systems.
Montreal, Canada
Canada's best organized public transport system is truly fitting for the cosmopolitan nature of this first-class city. The Metro de Montreal is being operated on a 24/7 basis, with over 1.1 million passengers a day. The city's bus lines and the popular Bixi cycle-share system make going around easy and convenient. Of all the cities in North America, only New York City surpasses Montreal's public transportation in terms of scope and volume of passengers.
Seoul, South Korea
Seoul's Metro Subway is enormous and provides service for over eight million passengers every day in the Korea's busy capital. Affordable, lively and very simple to use, this subway system that covers 930 kilometers of railway; coupled with its logistic amenities and undeniable efficiency - suits a metropolis of such sort.
Paris, France
The city's railway system, the Metropolitain of Paris, is an attractive bastion of Art Nouveau. In all of Europe, only Moscow's train system serves more passengers. Paris wasn't designed for motor vehicles, and as such only around 10% of trips in the capital use cars. Therefore, Paris' well-laid out metro system is able to serve around 4.5 million passengers, a testament to its accurate and superb planning.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
If you think that the city of Amsterdam is only filled with bicycles and canals, you'll have your mind blown by the groovy tram network that is just as symbolical. This transportation system has been a city staple for more than 135 years, and covers the entire city. Looking for a car in Amsterdam? You wish!