Transportation Car Unusual Public Famous Similar Train Form

Most Americans drive to work, but those who do choose to use "public transportation" (shared transportation) have many choices. Many commuters use buses, subways, trains, "ferries" (large ships to cross rivers or lakes), and even bicycles. But there are also some more unusual "forms" (types) of public transportation.

For example, San Francisco, California is famous for its "cable cars," which "sit" (stand) on "rails" (long, thin pieces of metal on the ground that trains ride over), but also are connected to an "overhead" (above; in the sky) "cable" (a long, strong, twisted piece of metal) that gives them "power" (electricity) and guides them through the city. In other cities, similar forms of transportation are called "trolleys," "trolley buses," or "streetcars."

A "monorail" is similar to a train or subway, but its "track" (the route a train or trolley follows) has only one rail instead of two. Chicago, Illinois is famous for its "elevated" (raised above the ground) monorail known as the "El" or "L."

One very unusual form of public transportation is a "buscycle," which is a 15-"passenger" (rider) bus that has been "stripped down" (with almost everything removed) so that the engine is replaced with bicycle-like seats for the passengers. Passengers must "pedal" (move one's feet in a circle to move the wheels) together to make the buscycle move. Originally created in Boston, Massachusetts, the buscycle isn't really a "practical" (realistic) form of transportation, but it is a fun and interesting way for people to work together and move as a team.