As a noun, it is the act of moving people or goods from one place to another, especially by public transport. As a verb, it means to pass through or across a place.
It comes from Latin 'transitus', from 'transire' meaning 'to go across' ('trans' = across + 'ire' = to go). The sense of public transport is a modern extension.
We call buses and trains 'mass transit' because they move not just bodies, but whole patterns of city life. Even in astronomy, a 'transit' is when a smaller object passes in front of a larger one—movement across is the constant theme.
Public transit planning historically prioritized male commuting patterns, often neglecting safety and accessibility concerns that disproportionately affect women and caregivers. Language around 'transit users' has sometimes obscured these gendered differences.
When discussing transit, note safety, accessibility, and caregiving needs that impact different genders, rather than assuming a uniform rider experience.
["transport","public transport","travel","commute"]
Women have led campaigns to improve transit safety, lighting, and route design, reshaping systems to better serve diverse riders.
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