rapid transit

noun

: fast passenger transportation (as by subway) in urban areas

Examples of rapid transit in a Sentence

We'll use rapid transit to get from the airport to the hotel.
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.
Miami-Dade County designated the Citadel site as part of a rapid transit zone, special areas where the authorities greatly expedite the zoning approval process. Shawn Tully, Fortune, 31 Mar. 2026 The city evaluated five alternatives to expand light rail transit or bus rapid transit in the area. Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 20 Mar. 2026 The Transit Rider Investment Program, or TRIP, which launched two years ago, now employs more than 130 civilian agents who ride light-rail and bus rapid transit lines to inspect fares and serve as a second set of eyes to maintain standards. Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 1 Mar. 2026 Bus rapid transit is debuting with the Rapid A line (linking downtown Atlanta to the Beltline Southside Trail) the same day as NextGen begins. Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 25 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rapid transit

Word History

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rapid transit was in 1873

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rapid transit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rapid%20transit. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

rapid transit

noun
: fast public passenger transportation (as by subway) in cities

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