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.
County planning and zoning officials say the development incentives are available even in the absence of plans for rapid transit on Kendall Drive. — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 20 Aug. 2026 That money would be better spent on enhancements to the existing bus rapid transit lines serving the NW metro area, albeit not a politically popular course of action. — Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 2 Aug. 2026 Sacramento Regional Transit will study a faster route to Sacramento International Airport through Natomas using bus rapid transit rather than light rail, after receiving $700,000 in grants to launch a feasibility study beginning in spring 2027. — Ruyuan Li. Summary Produced By Ai Assistance, Sacbee.com, 1 Aug. 2026 Bus rapid transit can be significantly less expensive than rail while offering faster service than a traditional bus route. — James Taylor, CBS News, 29 July 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

Rhymes for rapid transit

See All Rhymes for rapid transit

Browse Nearby Words

rapid plant bug
rapid transit
rapier
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Cite this Entry

“Rapid transit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rapid%20transit. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

rapid transit

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

More from Merriam-Webster on rapid transit

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rapid transit

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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