Public transport comes in all shapes and sizes, but some cities have taken it to a whole new level. While buses, trains, and subways are the norm, some places have introduced truly unique and bizarre transportation methods to move people around. From underwater trains to suspended cable cars, here are the top five strangest and most unique public transport systems in the world.
Table of Contents
Maglev
Magnetic levitation, or maglev trains, are futuristic transportation systems that hover above the tracks using powerful magnets. This eliminates friction, allowing the trains to reach incredible speeds. Countries like Japan and China have embraced this technology, with the Shanghai Maglev hitting speeds of up to 430 km/h (267 mph). Unlike traditional trains, maglevs glide smoothly and silently, making them one of the fastest and most advanced public transport options in the world.
Cocotaxi
In Cuba, you’ll find a public transport option that looks more like a giant coconut on wheels than a traditional taxi. The cocotaxi is a three-wheeled motorized vehicle with a bright yellow, egg-shaped body. It’s popular in cities like Havana, where tourists and locals alike use it for short trips. The open sides offer a breezy ride, and while it’s not the fastest way to get around, it’s definitely one of the most charming.
Wuppertal Suspension Railway
Germany’s Wuppertal Suspension Railway is a train system unlike any other—it hangs from the tracks instead of running on them. Operating since 1901, this historic monorail glides above the city streets, suspended from a steel frame. Passengers get a bird’s-eye view of Wuppertal as they travel along its 13.3-kilometer route. Despite its unusual design, the system is incredibly efficient and remains a key mode of transportation for the city’s residents.
Water Bus
Venice, Italy, is famous for its canals, so it’s no surprise that the city’s main public transport system operates on water. The vaporetto, or water bus, serves as the equivalent of a city bus, stopping at different points along the canals. Locals and tourists alike use these boats to get around, offering a scenic and practical way to navigate the city’s winding waterways. Unlike a traditional bus, a water bus provides a relaxing and picturesque journey through one of the world’s most beautiful cities.
Dog Sled Taxi
In parts of Alaska and Canada, dog sled taxis are a real mode of transportation during the winter months. These sleds, pulled by a team of strong and fast huskies, are used to transport people across snowy landscapes where regular vehicles would struggle. While primarily a tourist attraction today, dog sledding has been a vital means of travel for centuries in Arctic regions. It’s a unique blend of tradition and practicality that keeps this mode of transport alive.
Public transport doesn’t always mean sitting in a crowded subway or waiting for a delayed bus. Around the world, cities have come up with innovative and unusual ways to get people from point A to point B. Whether it’s flying on magnets, riding in a coconut-shaped taxi, or gliding above city streets, these unique transport systems make commuting a whole lot more interesting.
FAQs
What is the fastest public transport?
Maglev trains are the fastest, reaching speeds up to 430 km/h.
Where can you ride a water bus?
Water buses, or vaporettos, are commonly used in Venice, Italy.
What makes the Wuppertal railway unique?
It’s a suspension railway where trains hang from tracks above.
Are dog sled taxis still used today?
Yes, mainly in Arctic regions for tourism and winter travel.
What is a cocotaxi?
A three-wheeled motorized taxi found in Cuba, shaped like a coconut.
