mass transit

noun

chiefly US
: the transportation of large numbers of people by means of buses, subway trains, etc., especially within urban areas
also : the system, vehicles, or facilities engaged in such transportation
I rode mass transit—first the bus, then Metro—for nearly two decades. Fred Barnes

Examples of mass transit in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Segall said the state also should support companies that have already been buying zero-emission trucks with financing programs and get at the root of the transportation problem by expanding mass transit. Calmatters, Mercury News, 8 July 2025 The group suggests improving an existing program for fast-tracking permitting; creating an exception for small projects to avoid lengthier environmental reviews; and building more housing near mass transit systems, among other ideas. Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 7 July 2025 Yet metropolitan Chicago’s mass transit system has a $771 million budget deficit. Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025 The analysis will also recommend changes in routes and timing that aim to more seamlessly connect MTS service to new bicycle lanes and other mass transit in the region, such as the Coaster commuter rail line. David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for mass transit

Word History

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mass transit was in 1930

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Cite this Entry

“Mass transit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mass%20transit. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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