Travel planning is made easy in these cities when utilizing public transportation like streetcars and light rails to navigate your trip
Should you consider public transportation a mobility means on your next group trip? Many factors go into travel planning and organizing a reunion. Where is your event going to be held? How many people are coming? What attractions are in the area? Most importantly, how will everyone get around while at the reunion? Renting a car for the week can be very expensive; for people under 25, that might not even be an option. This leaves the question of how to get from one place to another during your reunion without a car. Public transportation can be an invaluable asset for navigating your trip and, in most cases, is cheaper than renting a vehicle. Check out these top cities for inexpensive public transit in the list below and consider utilizing public transportation for your next reunion.
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Portland streetcar.
Portland, OR
It is no wonder why Portland, Oregon is a popular travel destination; from the coffeehouses and microbreweries to music and arts festivals, there is a lot to see and do in Portland. Travel planning considerations in The City of Roses should include how your group will get from one exciting venue to the next. TriMet, the company in charge of Portland’s public transportation, offers multiple transportation options, including buses and the Max Light Rail, which run for most of the day every day. TriMet offers a ticketing tool called the Hop Fastpass, a reusable ticket card valid not only for TriMet buses and rails but also for the Portland Streetcar. TriMet’s fare is $2.50 for adults 18-64 and $1.25 for children 7-17 and seniors 65 and over.
Denver, CO
From the Denver Zoo and the Downtown Aquarium to the 16th Street Mall, Denver has attractions for everyone, making it an ideal reunion location. Even better is public transportation in Denver, run by the Regional Transportation District (RTD), which offers a variety of transportation options, including buses, rails, and shuttles. RTD allows riders to choose the ticket package that is best for them, from one-day passes to five-day passes. A day pass fare is $5.20, a five-day passbook fare is $26, and a ten-ride ticket book is $23.50. RTD also offers a complimentary shuttle ride up and down the mile-long 16th Street Mall, from Union Station to Civic Center Station, and free shuttle rides to and from Union Station and Civic Center Station with stops in the downtown area.
Boston, MA
Boston is overflowing with museums, theaters and shopping, which make it a popular reunion destination. Boston’s public transportation is run by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), which offers low fares for bus and subway transportation. MBTA has one-day passes and seven-day passes for sale. The fare for a one-day pass is $12 and a seven-day pass is $21.25. One-day and seven-day ticket passes can be used for Commuter Rail Zone 1A, the Charlestown Ferry, buses, and the subway.
Chicago’s public transportation is a great option for groups.
Chicago, IL
Chicago is the perfect backdrop for reunions with multiple attractions and easy, inexpensive public transportation. The Windy City has a myriad of attractions and things for families to do and see, and it’s easy to do so. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) makes traveling in Chicago stress-free with buses and trains that run most of the day. Passes are available for one day at $10, three days at $20 and seven days at $28. A seven-day combination CTA and Pace bus pass is also available for $33.
Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh is a beautiful city to visit. From window shopping to museums, there is something for everyone that makes Pittsburgh a perfect reunion destination. Port Authority is Pittsburgh’s central public transportation system, offering services on buses and rails. Day and weekly passes are available for $7 and $25 respectively. Port Authority utilizes ConnecTix cards for visitors. A ConnecTix card is a reusable card that is good for a limited amount of time, which makes it perfect for visitors to get around Pittsburgh. ConnecTix cards can be bought for one-day passes, weekly passes and 10-trip passes. In downtown Pittsburgh there is a free fare zone for rail travel in what is known as the Golden Triangle. The Free Fare Zone stops at First Avenue Station, Steel Plaza, Wood Street Station, Gateway, North Side Station and Allegheny Station throughout downtown.
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles is a great place to host a reunion and travel planning is easy with L.A.’s public transportation. Theme parks, museums and landmark sites offer something for everyone. The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, or the Metro, provides bus and rail transportation in and around LA. Day passes are available for one day and seven days for $7 and $25 respectively. Passes are only available using TAP cards; a TAP card is a reusable plastic card that you tap against a ticket validator to ride the bus or rail.
New Orleans streetcar.
New Orleans, LA
Mardi Gras, music and magic make travel in New Orleans a truly unique experience, and getting around Crescent City is easy with Regional Transit Authority-New Orleans, or RTA. There are multiple ways to travel in New Orleans, including buses, streetcars, and ferries. RTA offers Jazzy Passes for buses and streetcars for one day at $3, three days at $9 and five days at $15. A five-day ferry pass is available for $18 or an integrated ferry, bus and streetcar pass can be purchased for $7 for one day and $30 for five days.
Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee is an ideal reunion destination because you have big city attractions and a small-town quality. From brewery tours to theaters and music festivals, Milwaukee has a lot to see and do. Getting around is a breeze with the Milwaukee County Transit System. MCTS provides bus transportation in and around Milwaukee. Passes are available for one day for $5 and seven days for $19.50. The buses run most of the day, from around 4:30 a.m. until around 1:30 a.m. every day.
While planning all the details of a reunion can be monumental, finding a destination with stress-free and inexpensive public transportation is easy. Utilizing public transit is not only easier than renting a car but is also less expensive and sometimes more environmentally friendly. Be sure to consider public transportation as a factor for your next reunion.
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