Recently I was talking with my sister about the condo for sale next to hers in a desirable major city location, and she mentioned overhearing a couple touring it say, “We just don’t think we would feel safe living across from the metro station.”
For those in America, Greece, New Zealand, or one of the other most car-dependent countries, public transportation might be thought of as loud, overly crowded, or dangerous. And for assignees who often end up in cities, cars are an expensive luxury and public transit is a common form of transport.
For those concerned about safety, public transit wins out over cars for both physical safety and even crime. Cities such as New York, Tokyo, Berlin, and Paris all win high marks for efficient and secure transportation networks. Municipalities such as Singapore and Indonesia have been experimenting with driverless automated transit, making commuting even more modern and convenient.
That said, there are some concerns, primarily for women traveling to and from work alone. A survey of over 6000 women who ride metro systems in 16 capital cities reported that in areas such as Bogota, Mexico City, and New Delhi they are more likely to experience harassment, both verbal and physical, and to have their experiences not taken seriously by authorities. In many countries, “women and children” only cars have been implemented to try and protect more vulnerable riders.
For those anxious about riding the train or bus, Living Abroad provides ample resources to help new expatriates plan their trips in advance. In the “Get Ready to Go” section, our article on Vehicle Choices as well as articles in “Get Around” on Driving Conditions and Local Vehicle Regulations will offer guidance as to whether a personal car is a practical option at all.
The Mass Transit article has information on trains, buses, trams, and even ferries if applicable. With the links provided, anyone can plan a trip in advance using the information on routes and timetables.
Living Abroad even provides information on what payments are accepted and any apps you can download to make the journey easier, letting users keep a train map in their pocket and allowing tickets or monthly passes to be purchased in advance.
With familiarity and practice, riding the transit system will become a normal part of an expatriate’s new routine, whether it be commuting to work, taking the kids to school, or just using the trains and buses to explore their new home with ease.
Written by Kate Havas, GMS-T, Content Manager
