Being abroad is great. I feel as though it is something that every young person should do. Thankfully, it is mandatory at my school. Due to this, I have been able to go abroad twice. During my time abroad in the Czech Republic and England, I have learned that public transportation is really important. Before you head out in a foreign country, always know how to get home via public transportation, because cashing out for a cab is not fun. There is a big difference between $1.50 and 15 dollars to take the same route. Here are the pros and cons to each method of transportation.
Trams- Prague, Czech Republic
Pros:
- I loved the tram system. It helped that I was told which tram would take us to the city centers and whatnot.
- Although it was in Czech and not English, the maps were surprisingly easy to understand.
Cons:
- After 10 p.m. the tram numbers switch (not really sure why). The stops would stay the same but instead of taking the 9 or 10, I would need to take the 58 or 59. Not a huge deal, just a bit confusing for my friends who were...ahem...not in the right state of mind.
Buses- London, England, UK
Pros:
- Cheaper than the tube. It's one flat rate, and doesn't cost more as you go farther and farther away from central London.
- There are also multiple stops on each street!
- Some lines run 24 hours so you don't need to worry about getting home after midnight. You can just hop on the same bus that you came in on.
Cons:
- There are SO many of them, it is very difficult to find out which one can take you where you need to go. It took a lot of stopping and looking at maps to realize which buses could take me from point A to point B.
- If you go on a double-decker bus, and you are an avid driver in the United States, it is very frightening. You get much closer to curbs (which means much closer to pedestrians). The front of the bus is also pretty flat, so you get very close to other buses. If you are on the top level you get so close to the cars in front of you that you cant see them.
Tube- London, England, UK
Pros:
- FAST. Seriously, the tube is probably the fastest way to get where you need to go, but always check which line will get you there the fastest! Some lines will take you to the same stop in fewer stops.
- The maps are color-coded and super easy to read.
- Cleaner than the New York Subways. Much. Cleaner.
Cons:
- London is split into zones. Zone 1 being central London, and zones 2-6 creating a ring around zone 1. The fare for the tube gets higher and higher the farther you go from Zone 1.
- I was under the impression that the night tube started over the summer. It did not. Although they are fast and affordable (but more expensive than buses) the tube service ends at 11:30-Midnight depending on the line. If you're planning on being out past that time, take a bus.
Regardless of what to take, it's okay to get lost. You might find something much more important.
