Urban Mobility Vocabulary

noun A person who travels regularly to and from work, usually by public transportation

adjective Relating to or characteristic of commuting

• The commuter train was delayed due to a signal failure.
• I'm just a commuter trying to get to work on time.
• Commuters were stuck in traffic again this morning.
• Being a commuter feels like being on a never-ending journey.

verb to move from place to place, especially in a casual or relaxed manner

adverb in a circuitous or indirect way

preposition to find a way of dealing with or avoiding a problem or a difficult situation

• The city has an efficient public transportation system, making it easy to get around.
• Just take the bus or subway to get around town.
• We can just Uber to get around everywhere.
• She always finds a way to get around obstacles in her path.

noun a person who commutes by public transportation, especially by holding onto a strap or handrail for support

• The straphanger patiently waited for the next subway train to arrive.
• The straphanger was annoyed by the delays on the subway.
• The straphanger was squished in the crowded subway car.
• As a straphanger in life, she held on tight through the ups and downs.

noun a type of train that is smaller and lighter than traditional trains

• The city council approved the construction of a new light rail system to improve public transportation.
• I prefer taking the light rail downtown instead of dealing with traffic.
• Let's hop on the light rail to get to the concert faster.
• The new policy acted as a light rail for economic growth in the region.