Whether we’re in the heart of a bustling city or in a quiet suburb, transportation defines our daily lives. Students living downtown at places like Boston University, NYU, or Columbia University may hardly need a car—buses and subways often get us to class faster than driving.

But those of us at smaller colleges in suburban or rural areas know life can be tough without a car. Some students might only make it into town once a week for shopping or dining.

Today, we’ll dive into how Americans get around using public transport and personal cars, and how we can make our travel faster and smoother.

United States

Public Transportation: Buses

Buses in the U.S. are unbeatable for one thing: cost. A single ride usually costs $2–$3. Compare that to a short taxi trip that could cost $10-$20 and go nowhere! We can pay per ride or buy monthly passes at designated stores, often with discounts. Some universities even cover bus fares for their students—at the University of Chicago, for example, students can ride the UGo Shuttle and city buses for free with a student ID.

But don’t expect the bus to always run like clockwork. Even with apps predicting arrival times, drivers sometimes have their own schedule. On weekends or in remote areas, buses may be few and far between. That’s when having a car can really save the day, which we’ll cover later.

Public Transportation: Subway

Subways are mysterious, like a quirky love story. Are they cheap? Yes. Are there package deals? Sometimes. Are they comfortable? Well… not really. Are they punctual? Don’t hold your breath.

Costs vary by city. Washington D.C., for example, has a complex system with fares differing by distance and time of day. Riding the same route at different times could cost differently. And let’s be honest, American subways have earned nicknames like “home for the homeless.” It’s not unusual to see people sleeping on the trains—eventually, we learn to just ignore it.

Subways are also old. Historical wear is expected, and full renovation is expensive. But the charm of riding through history has its own appeal.

Hailing a Ride: Taxi and Ride Services

Traditional taxis can be hailed on the street or booked through a taxi company. During rush hours in big cities, it is often better to book in advance. Booking usually involves providing pick-up details by phone, and it is common to have cash ready for tips.

In addition, app-based ride-hailing services such as Uber are widely used. These services allow users to arrange rides through mobile apps by entering pick-up and drop-off locations and selecting a suitable vehicle type. Shared ride options may also be available, depending on the service.

Regardless of the option, safety is important—passengers should stay alert when traveling with unfamiliar drivers.

Why No High-Speed Rail?

One word: cost. Large-scale infrastructure in the U.S. is extremely expensive. Attempts have been made to build high-speed rail, like the California project from San Francisco to Los Angeles, but costs ballooned from $33 billion to $98 billion, with full completion not expected until 2033. Sometimes, it’s just too expensive to go all the way, so only short stretches are built instead.

Driving: Getting a License

If we want a car, first we need a license. International students with valid visas like F, M, L, J, or H can apply within 10 days of arrival. Steps include downloading the state Driver’s Manual, preparing documents (passport, I-94, I-20, Social Security or denial notice, proof of residence), passing a written test, practicing with a licensed driver or driving school, and passing the road test. After paying fees, passing a vision test, and taking a photo, we finally get our license.

Buying a Car

When researching vehicles, it is important to rely on trusted automotive review websites for safety ratings, performance details, and expert evaluations. These websites help buyers better understand different models and compare important features.

Many people also use car listing websites and online platforms to compare prices, mileage, and vehicle condition. Buyers can choose between dealerships, which often provide inspected vehicles, and private sellers, who may offer lower prices.

Selecting a relatively new and well-maintained vehicle is essential for safety, reliability, and long-term value.

Handling Traffic Tickets

Traffic fines are categorized by color:

- White ticket: minor parking violations, usually $65–$115.

- Yellow ticket: regular driving violations, can include points on our license, fines, or increased insurance costs. Speeding, reckless driving, and other infractions fall here.

- Pink ticket: serious criminal violations, such as impaired driving or drug-related offenses, requiring court appearances.

If we are pulled over, stay calm, keep hands visible on the steering wheel, and follow the officer’s instructions. After receiving a ticket, we can plead guilty, pay fines, or plead not guilty and submit a Written Declaration or appear in court. Hiring a lawyer is optional but often only needed for severe cases. One important rule—never drink and drive. It’s dangerous and could impact both safety and visa status.

Travel Smart

Getting around in the U.S. depends on where we live, our budget, and our patience. Buses, subways, taxis, ride services, and personal cars each have their pros and cons, and knowing how to navigate them makes life much easier. Lykkers, by understanding these options, planning our rides, and staying alert on the road, we can travel smarter, faster, and with more confidence. Let’s treat every trip as a mini-adventure and make the most of our time exploring the U.S.!