From the invention of the wheel to the modern means of transportation we have today, transportation has played a crucial role in shaping human civilisation and daily lives.
It has not only revolutionised the way we travel but has also been instrumental in developing trade, forming essential transport links, forming trade routes, and the overall progress of societies.
In this article, we will delve into some fascinating transport facts that shed light on why transport matters more than ever. From the incredible technological advancements, bizarre quirks, transport statistics and surprising stories behind the world of transportation.
So fasten your seatbelts and prepare to embark on some fun facts for covering different forms of transportation and types of transportation, including cars, buses, community transport and DRT services.
You can listen to our podcast episode on this here too:
Fun Transport Facts About Cars
Here are some fun facts about the most used form of transportation, cars, which you might not know:
1) First Car
Fact: The first car was invented by Karl Benz in 1886.
Karl Benz’s three-wheeled Motorwagen was the first true automobile powered by an internal combustion engine. His wife, Bertha Benz, made history by taking it on the first long-distance car trip, showing the world its potential. Compared to today, it wasn’t the fastest mode, but it was at the time. Source: History.com
2) The First Wheel
Fact: The wheel is believed to have been invented around 3500 BC
Quite possibly one of the greatest inventions (in terms of impact on the world through civilisations), the wheel is believed to date back to around 3500 BC. This has enabled all forms of transport to exist. Source: Facts.net
3) Tyres Used to be White
Fact: The first tyres used to be the colour white.
Modern tyres are black; we don’t get a choice other than the rims, but when tyres were first manufactured, they were white. Manufacturers added zinc oxide to the rubber to make it stronger and bright white. Source Tyres.net
4) Time Spent in Traffic Jams
Fact: The average time a British driver will spend in traffic jams throughout their lifetime is 99 days.
With car usage on the rise in recent years, this trend will likely increase. But it’s true that this is the average time an average British motorist spends sitting in traffic.
5) The Electric Cars’ Early Start
Fact: Electric cars date back to the 19th century.
In the 1800s, inventors like Robert Anderson and Thomas Davenport created some of the first electric vehicles. However, they were overshadowed by gas-powered cars until the recent resurgence in interest recently tied to climate change. Source: Smithsonian Magazine.
6) Model T Mass Production
Fact: The Ford Model T, introduced in 1908, was the first car mass-produced on moving assembly lines.
Henry Ford’s assembly line revolutionised manufacturing, making cars affordable for the average American. The Model T’s success led to the proliferation of car ownership in the U.S. Source: Ford.
7) Driving to the Moon
Fact: You could drive to the moon in less than a month.
If you drove in a straight line at 60mph, you could arrive at the moon in less than one month. Of course, the universe must be flat, but you get the idea. Source: Holtsauto
8) The First Speeding Ticket
Fact: The first speeding ticket was issued in 1902.
In the UK, Walter Arnold was fined for driving at 8 mph in a 2 mph zone. This set a precedent for traffic enforcement that continues today. Source: BBC.
9) Windshield Wipers Were Invented by a Woman
Fact: Windshield wipers were invented by Mary Anderson in 1903.
Anderson noticed trolley drivers struggling to see in the rain. Her invention became a standard feature in cars, enhancing driving safety. Source: MIT.
10) Cruise Control Was Invented by a Blind Man
Fact: Ralph Teetor, who was blind, invented cruise control in 1945.
Frustrated by his driver’s inconsistent speeds, Teetor developed cruise control, transforming long-distance driving by maintaining a constant speed. You could argue that this also sets driverless cars in motion. Source: Smithsonian Magazine.
11) Seat Belts Save Lives
Fact: Seat belts reduce the risk of death by 45%.
As cars became one of the most popular modes of transportation, seat belts were first introduced in the 1950s. They have become and remain a fundamental safety feature. Studies show they save thousands of lives every year. 1959, English engineer George Cayley invented seat belts for his glider, but Volvo engineer Nils Bohlin developed the modern three-point seat belt. Although the design was patented, the company left the patent open, making it free to all vehicle manufacturers. Source: CDC.
12) Airbags Were Introduced in the 1980s
Fact: Airbags became standard in cars in the 1980s.
Initially met with resistance, airbags have become essential for vehicle safety, significantly reducing crash fatalities. The origins of the airbag, designed to cover aeroplanes and other vehicle parts, can be traced back to a United States patent filed in 1919 by two dentists from Birmingham, Arthur Parrott and Harold Round. Source: NHTSA.
13) First Car Radio
Fact: The first car radio was introduced in 1929.
The Galvin brothers installed a radio in a car, creating the Motorola company and changing how people enjoyed car journeys forever. Source: History.com.
14) Hybrid Cars
Fact: The Toyota Prius, launched in 1997, was the first mass-produced hybrid car.
Combining a gasoline engine with an electric motor, the Prius revolutionized fuel efficiency and paved the way for modern hybrid vehicles. Source: Toyota.
15) Self-Driving Cars
Fact: The first self-driving car prototype was created in the 1980s.
Carnegie Mellon University developed a car that used computers and sensors to navigate. This innovation has led to today’s autonomous vehicle technology seen by many as the future of transport (Source: Carnegie Mellon), but in GM’s 1939 exhibit, Norman Bel Geddes created the first self-driving car, an electric vehicle guided by radio-controlled electromagnetic fields generated with magnetized metal spikes embedded in the roadway. By 1958, General Motors had made this concept a reality.
16) The Longest Traffic Jam
Fact: The longest traffic jam occurred in China in 2010, lasting 12 days and stretching over 60 miles.
Drivers on the Beijing-Tibet expressway faced an excruciatingly slow crawl due to construction, highlighting the challenges of rapid urbanization. Source: Time.
17) The Fastest Production Car
Fact: The Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ reached a top speed of 304 mph.
In 2019, Bugatti set a new speed record with its Chiron model, showcasing the pinnacle of automotive engineering and design. Source: Bugatti.
18) Most Expensive Car
Fact: The 1955 Mercedes Benz, costing £114.4 million, is the most expensive car ever (to date as of June 2024).
A1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé set a new record in 2022 as the most expensive car ever sold, fetching an astounding $135m, equivalent to £114.4m. Source: Forbes.
19) Longest Car
Fact: The longest car ever built was the “American Dream,” a limousine stretching 100 feet.
Jay Ohrberg created this limo with a swimming pool, helipad, and several bedrooms embodying luxury. Source: Guinness World Records.
Fun Transport Facts About Buses
Busses have always been a popular mode of transport, and if you travel on them often, then here are some fun facts about busses and bus services you might not know about:
20) The Word Bus Comes from Latin
Fact: The word bus comes from the Latin word ‘Omnibus’.
A coach station located near a hat store in France was called the “Omnes Omnibus.” Residents began referring to the coach as an omnibus, and over time, it became known as the shortened version of just “bus”. Source: Yellowbird Bus Company.
21) First Bus
Fact: The first motorised bus was introduced in 1895 by Karl Benz.
Benz’s bus could carry eight passengers and represented a major leap in public transport, moving away from horse-drawn carriages and becoming one of the first city buses. Source: Daimler.
22) First Motorised Bus Service
Fact: The first motorised bus service was introduced in France.
Nantes, France, marked the start of the first motorised bus service. This laid the foundation for the development of bus systems worldwide. Source: facts.net.
23) Double-Decker Buses
Fact: Double-decker buses first appeared in London in the 1950s.
These iconic buses, known as Routemasters, became symbols of London, offering increased capacity and scenic views of the city. Source: Transport for London.
24) London Busses Weren’t Always Red
Fact: In the early 1900s, London buses were operated by a number of different companies.
It wasn’t until London General Omnibus Company painted its entire fleet red to stand out from competitors that the colour red caught on. London buses used to be all sorts of colours. Source: Fun Kids Live.
25) First Electric Bus
Fact: The first electric bus was introduced in London in 1886.
The Electromote, created by Dr. Ernst Werner von Siemens, was a precursor to modern electric buses, showcasing early innovation in eco-friendly transport. Source: Siemens.
26) World’s Longest Bus Route
Fact: The longest bus route in the world is the London to Calcutta bus, covering 15,000 km.
This legendary route, operational from the 1950s to the 1970s, took travellers on an epic journey across continents, offering a unique travel experience. Source: BBC.
27) United Kingdom’s Longest Bus Route
Fact: The longest bus route in the UK is from the Isle of Skye to Glasgow, which is 230 miles long.
The Scottish Citylink journey travels between Uig on the Isle of Skye and Glasgow’s Buchanan Bus Station, passing Fort William and Kyle of Lochalsh. The UK’s longest bus trip takes almost eight hours to complete a full journey and travels 230 miles.
28) Articulated Buses
Fact: Articulated or bendy buses can carry up to 270 passengers.
Introduced to accommodate growing urban populations, these buses are designed with a flexible midsection to navigate tight city streets. Source Scania.
29) Hydrogen-Powered Buses
Fact: The first hydrogen fuel cell bus was introduced in the 2000s.
These buses produce zero emissions and are part of efforts to reduce urban pollution and reliance on fossil fuels. Starting in 2000, Hino and Toyota joined forces to work on advancing FCHV-BUS, a bus powered by hydrogen fuel cells. Following initial testing conducted by Toei Bus in 2003, 8 FCHV-BUS buses were deployed for service during Expo 2005 in Aichi, Japan. Source: Ballard.
30) Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)
Fact: The first BRT system was implemented in Curitiba, Brazil 1974.
Curitiba’s BRT system became a model for cities worldwide, offering efficient and reliable public transport through dedicated bus lanes. Source: World Resources Institute.
31) School Buses
Fact: The first horse-drawn school buses appeared in the early 1900s.
School transportation has evolved significantly, with modern buses featuring advanced safety features and eco-friendly designs. Source: Smithsonian Magazine.
32) The American School Bus
Fact: Yellow is more attention-grabbing than red, so American school buses were made yellow.
Despite many thinking that red stands out more, the colour yellow is easier to see in poorly lit conditions and bad weather. The eye can detect the colour yellow most quickly, even with superficial vision, and studies show that yellow is 1.24 times easier to notice. This is why in the United States, the law states that school buses must be yellow. Source: Car from Japan.
33) Wi-Fi on Buses
Fact: The first buses with Wi-Fi appeared in the early 2000s.
As technology advanced, offering Wi-Fi on buses became a standard feature, enhancing the commuter experience by allowing passengers to stay connected. Source: The Verge.
34) Busses are Safer than Cars
Fact: Not only are buses more environmentally friendly, but they are a safer form of transport than cars.
The more people who use buses, the fewer cars there are on the road, bringing down carbon emissions. With fewer cars, there is less chance of accidents. According to one recent study from the Journal of Public Transportation, the risks associated with travelling by car or truck are roughly 60 times greater than public transportation on a bus. Source: Herman & Herman.
35) The BUS-iest City is Jakarta
Fact: Jakarta has the largest bus network on the planet.
The city has a total of 156 miles of bus lines operated by over 3,900 busses. Source: Kiwi.com.
36) First Fully Automated Bus
Fact: The first fully automated bus began trials in Switzerland in 2016.
These self-driving buses represent the future of public transport, promising safer and more efficient urban mobility. Source: BBC.
Fun Transport Facts About Community Transport
Community transport is becoming ever-more important in society; here are some interesting facts about these types of services:
37) Community Transport Beginnings
Fact: Community transport services began in the 1960s.
Community Transport’s roots can be traced back to Birmingham in 1960 when Rev Bryan Scrivener discovered that his ex-Army Land Rover was in great demand for transportation services. Today. these services, often run by volunteers, provide essential mobility for elderly and disabled individuals, ensuring access to healthcare and social activities. Source: Community Transport
38) Dial-a-Ride
Fact: Dial-a-Ride services were formed in the 1970s and pioneered in Islington.
Offering door-to-door transportation for people with mobility issues, Dial-a-Ride has become a lifeline for many, enhancing independence and quality of life. The initial Dial-a-Ride services were launched in 1980, with the involvement of disabled individuals and for the benefit of disabled individuals. These pioneering initiatives were proposed by disability groups in various areas of London during the late 1970s. The first scheme was implemented in Islington in 1980, and subsequently, in 1982, similar services were introduced in Brent, Hammersmith ,Fulham, Ealing, and Camden. Source: Transport for London.
39) Blended DRT
Fact: The first blended DRT service went into operation in Derbyshire in February 2024.
On 19 February 2024, the first blended DRT service, Travel Derbyshire on Demand, went into operation. The service was the first to launch, accommodating not only the general public but also community transport users. Source: Road XS.
40) Community Car Clubs
Fact: Community car clubs emerged in the 1990s.
These clubs offer shared vehicle access, reducing individual car ownership and promoting sustainable transport within communities. Source: Carplus.
41) Mobility as a Service (MaaS)
Fact: MaaS integrates various forms of transport services into a single accessible on-demand service.
This concept aims to simplify transportation by providing users with comprehensive, flexible, and cost-effective transport options via digital platforms. Source: International Transport Forum.
42) Accessible Taxis
Fact: Accessible taxis have been around since the 1980s.
Designed to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility aids, these taxis ensure that all community members can travel comfortably and independently. Source: Disability Rights UK.
43) Community Buses
Fact: Community bus services are often operated by non-profits and volunteers.
These buses fill gaps in public transport, especially in rural areas, ensuring residents have access to essential services and social opportunities. Source: Rural Community Transport.
44) Transport for Social Inclusion
Fact: Community transport plays a key role in social inclusion.
These services help reduce isolation and promote community engagement among vulnerable populations by providing affordable and accessible transport. Source: Community Transport Association.
45) Ride-Sharing Apps
Fact: Ride-sharing apps have revolutionised “community” transport.
Platforms like Uber and Lyft offer convenient, on-demand transport options, complementing traditional community transport services. Uber launched in May 2010 following a successful beta test. Source: TechCrunch.
46) Green Community Transport
Fact: Many community transport schemes are starting to adopt electric vehicles.
This shift towards greener transport options reflects a commitment to sustainability and reducing the environmental impact of community services. The first electric bus to go into service in the UK was in Portsmouth. Source: Green Fleet.
47) Community Transport Funding
Fact: Community transport is often funded through grants and donations.
These services rely on community support and government grants, highlighting the importance of social investment in transport infrastructure. Source: Community Transport Association.
48) Bike Sharing Programs
Fact: Community bike-sharing programs started in Europe in the 1960s.
These programs provide affordable, eco-friendly transport options, encourage cycling and reduce traffic congestion. Source: Bike Share.
49) Volunteer Drivers
Fact: Many community transport services rely on volunteer drivers.
Volunteers play a crucial role in transporting those in need, fostering a sense of community and mutual support. Without a pool of drivers, community transport would not be possible. Source: Volunteering Matters.
50) Transport Cooperatives
Fact: Transport cooperatives are community-owned transport services.
These cooperatives empower communities to manage their transport needs, ensuring services are tailored to local requirements. Source: Co-Operatives UK.
51) Innovative Rural Transport
Fact: Rural areas often develop unique transport solutions to solve local issues.
Rural transport innovations, from shared taxis to community buses, address the specific challenges of less densely populated areas. They often innovate to meet the direct needs of the local community. Source: Rural Transport Futures.
52) Minibuses for Mobility
Fact: Minibuses are commonly used in community transport.
These versatile vehicles offer flexible transport solutions for groups and individuals with specific mobility needs. Source: Community Minibus.
53) Intergenerational Transport Projects
Fact: Some transport projects encourage intergenerational interaction.
These initiatives foster community bonds and mutual understanding by pairing younger and older passengers. Source: Generations Working Together.
54) Urban Community Transport
Fact: Urban areas also benefit from community transport.
Community transport services often focus on marginalised groups in cities, ensuring equitable access to urban opportunities. Community transport is still highly used in urban locations despite being more connected. Source: Urban Transport Group.
55) Community Transport in Emergencies
Fact: Community transport can be critical during emergencies.
Whether evacuating residents or delivering supplies, these services have played a vital role in disaster response and recovery. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many services supported COVID-19 booster vaccines and home deliveries. Source: Road XS.
56) Digital Innovations in Community Transport
Fact: Digital platforms are enhancing community transport services.
Apps and online booking systems streamline operations and improve accessibility, making community transport more efficient and user-friendly. Software such as Road XS saves passengers and drivers money and enables transport to integrate seamlessly into their lives. Source: Smart Transport.
57) Cultural and Recreational Transport
Fact: Community transport often includes trips to cultural and recreational sites.
These outings enrich participants’ lives, promoting social interaction and cultural engagement. Source: Arts Transport.
58) Impact of Community Transport on Health
Fact: Community transport services positively impact public health.
By providing access to healthcare facilities and promoting physical activity through initiatives like bike-sharing, these services contribute to overall well-being. Source: Health Transport.
59) Global Community Transport Models
Fact: Community transport models vary worldwide.
Different countries have developed unique approaches, reflecting local needs and resources, from paratransit in the US to community vans in Japan. Source: Global Community Transport.
60) Future of Community Transport
Fact: The future of community transport includes autonomous and electric vehicles.
Innovations in technology promise to make community transport more sustainable, efficient, and accessible, shaping the future of mobility. Source: Future Transport.
61) Economic Benefits of Community Transport
Fact: Community transport services boost local economies.
These services support economic development and community resilience by improving access to jobs, education, and commerce. Source: Economic Transport.
62) Public Awareness Campaigns
Fact: Awareness campaigns help highlight the importance of community transport.
These campaigns aim to educate the public about available services and encourage greater use and support of community transport initiatives. Often, people don’t know about community transport until they need it. Source: Transport Awareness.
63) Community Transport and Education
Fact: Community transport supports educational access.
Providing reliable transport to schools and universities ensures that students can attend classes, contributing to educational attainment and equality. Source: Education Transport.
64) Elderly Mobility Programs
Fact: Programs specifically for elderly mobility are increasing.
These initiatives focus on maintaining older adults’ independence and quality of life, offering tailored transport solutions. Source: Elderly Mobility.
65) Inclusive Transport Design
Fact: Inclusive design principles are being applied to community transport.
Ensuring vehicles and services are accessible to all, including those with disabilities, reflects a commitment to equity and inclusion. Source: Inclusive Transport. You only have to look at the Road XS Blended DRT software to see how technology allows transport to adapt to all requirements.
66) Environmental Benefits
Fact: Community transport reduces carbon emissions.
These services help lower individual car use and environmental impact by promoting shared and public transport options. Source: Green Transport.
67) Public-Private Partnerships
Fact: Public-private partnerships are essential for community transport.
Collaborations between governments and private companies enhance service quality and sustainability, ensuring the long-term success of community transport initiatives. Source: Public-Private Partnerships.
Fun Transport Facts About Demand Responsive Transport
Seen as the future of public transport by many, Demand Responsive Transport is a modern transportation service which has interestingly been around longer than many realise:
68) Origins of Demand Responsive Transport (DRT)
Fact: DRT began in the 1970s in the United States.
The first DRT systems, like the one in Rochester, New York, aimed to offer flexible public transport options in low-demand areas. They used minibuses to provide door-to-door service. Source: Transportation Research Board.
69) DRT and Rural Accessibility
Fact: DRT significantly improves rural accessibility.
In rural Scotland, DRT services help connect isolated communities to essential services, ensuring that residents can access healthcare, education, and employment opportunities despite the region’s low population density. Source: Scottish Government.
70) Technology in DRT
Fact: Modern DRT systems use advanced algorithms and apps and offer fully automated booking services.
Software like Road XS integrates with transport operators and uses technology to optimise real-time routes and schedules, making DRT more efficient and user-friendly. This innovation transforms how we think about public transport and community transport. Source: Road XS.
71) DRT and Sustainability
Fact: DRT contributes to sustainability by reducing the number of cars on the road.
In Helsinki, the Kutsuplus service offered a shared ride experience that matched passengers travelling in the same direction, reducing emissions and traffic congestion. Although the service ended in 2015, it paved the way for future sustainable transport solutions. Source: CityLab.
72) Senior Mobility
Fact: DRT enhances mobility for seniors.
Services like Ride Connection in Portland, Oregon, offer personalised transportation solutions for seniors and people with disabilities, ensuring they can maintain independence and stay active within their communities. Source: Ride Connection.
73) DRT in Urban Areas
Fact: DRT is also successful in urban settings.
In cities like London, DRT services like Slide provide flexible, on-demand minibus services, offering commuters a convenient alternative to traditional public transport. Source: Transport for London.
74) Educational Access
Fact: DRT supports educational access in remote areas.
In New South Wales, Australia, the School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS) uses DRT to ensure that children in rural areas can get to school safely and on time, addressing educational inequities caused by geographic isolation. Source: NSW Government.
75) Integration with Public Transport
Fact: DRT can be integrated with existing public transport networks.
In cities like Vienna, the CityRide service allows passengers to book rides that connect them to major public transport hubs, enhancing the overall efficiency and reach of the public transport network. Source: City of Vienna.
76) Night Services
Fact: DRT services can operate during off-peak hours.
In Berlin, the BerlKönig night service offers on-demand transport during late-night hours, providing safe and reliable travel options when regular public transport services are unavailable. Source: BVG.
77) Emergency Response
Fact: DRT can play a role in emergency response.
During natural disasters, DRT systems and technology can be mobilised to evacuate residents, deliver supplies, and support emergency services, demonstrating flexibility and importance beyond daily commuting needs. Source: FEMA.
78) DRT Business Models
Fact: There are 3 different types of business models for a DRT service: localised, rural and first/last mile.
Localised DRT is implemented within smaller regions and deployed to meet the needs of the local community served. Rural DRT aims to address the challenges those living in rural locations face by connecting residents to essential services. First/last-mile models connect passengers from their origin or destination to their nearest transit stop.
79) DRT Services Reduce Co2
Fact: A DRT service can replace multiple, single-occupancy car journeys.
In a commuting area where there is not sufficient demand for fixed bus service or for those who work flexibly, DRT services can replace traditional cars and reduce traffic and congestion. Source: Gov UK.
80) DRT Services Don’t Just Need Users to Use Apps
Fact: You can book DRT journeys via apps and phones.
To keep DRT services accessible to all, operators often offer an app and a call centre to allow those without the latest phone technology to book onto the service being offered too. Whilst DRT services are high-tech, transport operators will often provide a call centre to allow passengers to book on via phone too.
