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Synonyms

rapid transit

American  

noun

  1. a system of public transportation in a metropolitan area, usually a subway or elevated train system.


Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Etymology

Origin of rapid transit

An Americanism dating back to 1870–75

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Welcome to the Washington Metro, home to the country’s most enthralling rapid transit stations, a Brutalist masterpiece with a design discipline so consistent it reads like an architectural civics lesson.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

The sprightly production design is set up for rapid transit, but the traffic on stage isn’t in any hurry.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 1, 2025

In 2022, the agency allocated $170 million for bus rapid transit in Denver and $120 million for Bustang, a statewide bus service, over the next decade.

From Seattle Times • May 31, 2024

Many people in Jakarta think highly of him for implementing a mass rapid transit system and managing the coronavirus pandemic.

From New York Times • Feb. 12, 2024

A week later Bobby was back at the Marshall to play in the weekly speed tournament—christened the “Tuesday Night Rapid Transit” in homage to the New York City rapid transit subway system.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

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