Discover the 10 most unique public transport in the world

From jeepneys in the Philippines to chicken carts in Guatemala, here are 10 unique public transport modes that reflect the culture and lifestyle of people in countries around the world, selected by National Geographic Magazine.

The jeepney is one of the familiar public transport in the Philippines. (Source: BusinessWorld)

Jeepney in the Philippines

Appearing since the 1950s, jeepneys have been a signature public transport in the Philippines for decades. This type of vehicle is a testament to the flexibility and creativity of the people of the Southeast Asian country, being improved from American military vehicles after World War II, then covered with colorful paint, bearing the mark of indigenous culture.

However, under pressure from pollution and the need to modernize, the Philippines is gradually replacing old jeepneys with new, environmentally friendly models using Euro 4 engines or electricity.

The government requires that the modernization process be completed by 2029, but for now, traditional jeepneys are still a familiar sight on Philippine streets, serving as both an essential means of transportation and a cultural symbol of the country.

Cyclo in Malacca (Malaysia)

Tourists explore the historic city of Malacca on colorful cyclos. (Source: Melakatravel)

In Malacca city (Malaysia), traditional cyclo (trishaw) has been “revived” into a modern, colorful and musical version. Decorated with neon lights, cartoon characters and vibrant music, trishaw has become a unique cultural highlight, attracting tourists and young people on social networks.

Not only is it entertaining, it is also digital. Around 300 drivers are officially licensed, with their own QR codes and IDs. Visitors can book a ride via the iTrafik MBMB app, which helps manage the service efficiently and increases the driver's income, which currently ranges from 5,000–6,000 Ringgit (about 1,200–1,400 USD) per month.

From a seemingly outdated means of transport, the trishaw in Malacca has been “reborn” into a vibrant symbol of transport culture, combining tradition and innovation, serving both the travel and experience needs of tourists in the digital age.

Hanging train in Wuhan (China)

A suspension train attracts tourists in Wuhan city, Hubei province. (Source: CGTN)

The suspension train line in Wuhan (China) officially operated from September 2023, is the first suspension monorail system in the country. The train is suspended below the rails, hovering high above, bringing a unique experience to passengers.

Each train consists of two carriages, can accommodate 200 people, equipped with panoramic windows for a 270-degree view of the city. The route is more than 10 km long with 6 stops, operates automatically, without a driver, with a maximum speed of about 60 km/h.

Not only serving inner-city transportation, Wuhan's suspension train has also become a new tourist attraction thanks to its modern design and "flying in the middle of the city" experience.

Electric snowmobile in Lapland (Finland)

The smooth-running eSled allows visitors on the Aurora Emotion tour to fully immerse themselves in the wilderness. (Source: Mountain Sledder)

In the Arctic region of Lapland (Finland), electric snowmobiles (e-sleds) are gradually replacing traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, providing a quieter and more environmentally friendly experience.

Travelers can easily control the e-sled to cross snowy forests, frozen lakes or hunt for the Northern Lights. Many tours combine outdoor activities such as campfires, reindeer camps or gem hunting, making the journey a complete experience in the peaceful icy space.

Not only do electric sleds reduce the impact on the ecosystem, they are also easy to handle and suitable for all ages. With their moderate speed and safe design, e-sleds are becoming a popular choice for both locals and visitors who want to experience Lapland in a sustainable way.

Handcart in Kolkata (India)

Traditional handcarts are still in operation in some small areas of Kolkata. (Source: Kolkata Pages)

Kolkata (India) is one of the few cities that still maintains an ancient form of transport: the hand-pulled cart. Imported from China in the 19th century, this type of vehicle consists of a seat and two wheels, pulled entirely by human power. The drivers are usually strong and flexible enough to navigate crowded streets, especially in flooded or narrow roads.

Despite being considered outdated and facing the threat of being banned many times, hand-rickshaws still exist as a flexible transportation solution for short distances. Currently, in some old quarters of Kolkata, there are still a few thousand of them operating as a part of the heritage left in the modern urban area.

Sledding in Madeira (Portugal)

These sleds can reach speeds of up to 48 km/h. (Source: Oddviser)

In Funchal, on the Portuguese island of Madeira, visitors can ride a toboggan down the steep slope from the Monte to the city center. This form of transport, which dates back to the mid-19th century, was once used by locals as a quick way to get to the city center.

Today, toboggans have become a unique tourist experience. Two riders, called carreiros, dressed in white uniforms and straw hats, run behind to balance and steer the sled with their feet. The sleds are about 2 km long and can reach speeds of nearly 40 km/h, offering an exhilarating ride against the backdrop of Funchal’s rolling hills and tranquil bays.

Minibus in Dakar (Senegal)

Imported from France, these minibuses were quickly adapted to suit local travel needs. (Source: Senegal-shuttle)

In the capital Dakar (Senegal), minibuses (car rapide) have been a street symbol since the 1970s. Although the name means “fast car”, they are actually quite bulky and slow. They are often decorated with bright colors, folk patterns and illuminated signs, creating a unique appearance. This form of public transport plays an important role in urban traffic because it is cheap, flexible and suitable for the travel needs of the people of this country.

However, facing pressure from congestion and pollution, the Senegalese government is implementing an electric bus rapid transit (BRT) system and other modern public transport options. The rapide cars are therefore gradually being replaced not only to improve traffic quality but also to aim for sustainable development for Dakar city.

Bush plane in Alaska (USA)

A de Havilland Beaver lands on Ruth Glacier in Denali National Park, which remains largely inaccessible by road in much of Alaska. (Source: Alaska Photo Graphics)

Alaska is one of the largest and most sparsely populated states in the United States. Its many isolated areas are accessible only by small commercial aircraft, often called “bush planes.” These planes, capable of taking off and landing on short runways, rough terrain, or water, transport residents and essential goods to remote communities, and serve tourists who want to explore the wilderness.

The most popular models are the Piper Super Cub, Cessna 206 or De Havilland Beaver, equipped with large tires, skis or floats, allowing flexible landings in forests, snow and frozen lakes. In addition to transport, they also undertake rescue flights, medical deliveries, wildlife patrols and winter supply flights.

Despite operating in harsh conditions and facing changing weather, the small civilian aircraft remains an irreplaceable part of life in Alaska.

Amphibious bus in the Netherlands

Unique amphibious buses in the Netherlands. (Source: Civitatis)

No one was surprised when a bus in the Netherlands suddenly plunged into a canal and continued moving like a boat. That was the Amfibus – a hybrid between a bus and a boat, developed by the Dutch company Amphibious Transport. This unique vehicle can run up to 100 km/h on asphalt and 6.5 nautical miles per hour on water thanks to a modern hydraulic propulsion system.

Amfibus was put into trial operation in 2009 and officially operated in Rotterdam since 2011, then expanded to Amsterdam and several other cities.

With a 55-seat design, Amfibus is mainly for tourism, providing a “two-in-one” experience of exploring the city on the streets and cruising on the typical Dutch canals. This is not only a means of transportation but also a unique tourist highlight in the land of tulips.

Chicken truck in Guatemala

Colorful cars on the streets of Antigua, Guatemala. (Source: Flickr)

In Guatemala, old buses from the United States are brightly painted and repurposed for transportation. The name “chicken bus” comes from the fact that passengers often bring poultry on board.

These crowded, cramped, yet lively buses are not only a staple for locals, but also offer unforgettable experiences for tourists. There are no set departure times, and the buses only leave when they are full. Inside, the narrow corridors are always packed with people, luggage hangs from the roof, music is loud and the atmosphere is always bustling. For many tourists, stepping on a chicken bus is a “rite of passage” to truly experience the daily life of this Central American country.

From the vibrant streets of Manila to the snowy Lapland or crossing the calm canals of Amsterdam, each means of public transport tells a vivid story about the pace of life of each country and land. They are living pieces in the indigenous cultural picture, reflecting how people adapt to the terrain and climate of each region. Traveling on these unique means of public transport is always a memorable experience for visitors.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/kham-pha-10-phuong-tien-cong-cong-doc-dao-nhat-the-gioi-321822.html