The characters combine perfectly: 公共 (gōnggòng) means “public and shared,” while 交通 (jiāotōng) means “traffic” or “transportation” (literally “connecting and passing through”). Together, 公共交通 translates directly to “public transportation,” a system for the shared use of the people to connect and travel.
In China, 公共交通 is more than just a way to get around; it's a cornerstone of modern life and a powerful symbol of the nation's rapid development. Unlike the car-centric culture prevalent in many parts of the United States, China's urban planning heavily prioritizes massive, efficient, and affordable public transit systems. For hundreds of millions of city dwellers, taking the subway or bus is the default, not the alternative. The development of these networks is a point of immense national pride. The Shanghai Metro and Beijing Subway are the two largest rapid transit systems in the world, and China's high-speed rail (高铁 gāotiě) network is unparalleled globally. This emphasis on 公共交通 reflects a collectivist value system where providing for the mobility of the masses is a key government priority. It represents a state-led solution to the challenges of urbanization, pollution, and congestion. For a traveler or expatriate, mastering the 公共交通 system isn't just a practical skill; it's a direct way to experience the rhythm, scale, and incredible efficiency of modern China.
While 公共交通 is the correct formal term, it's often used in more official or general contexts.
Therefore, you use 公共交通 when speaking about the *system* or *concept* as a whole, and specific terms like `地铁 (dìtiě)` or `公交 (gōngjiāo)` when talking about the actual act of riding.