For me personally, trams are right up there. Aside from the main issue of sharing the roads instead of having a dedicated line, they really make it easy to get from one part of a city to another, especially for wheelchair users. They’re usually as frequent as buses, but much faster. The stations are much more attractive compared to bus stops (on newer systems), and can really make an area feel much nicer IMO.
For those that have a bike, suburban and inter city rail is a strong second. The speed and ease of last mile mobility is what appeals to me the most. Recently took my bike across the country to my home city and it ended up being much faster than driving (by almost an hour) - the multimodal commute was pretty hefty, but lots of fun nonetheless.
Airplanes. That’s the only mode of transport I’d use just for the fun of it. All other modes of transportations are just tools and I like they exist, but I don’t “really like” them by themselves.
I came thinking I would say airplanes as well, though I know it’s likely an unpopular answer in this part of web.
Growing up fairly privileged, I got to fly a lot and always looked forward to it as a situation where no one can get mad at me for spending the whole time watching movies, playing games or reading books. Some of that childhood joy stuck with me, and I still look forward to a chance to sit back and read or zone out to music without any nagging work obligations (I refuse to purchase in air wifi).
So big agree, for transport I “really like,” it’s gotta be airplanes.
For more mundane day to day stuff, I do love basically anything on rails. Not having to think about maneuvering around other vehicles, just sitting and chilling, not even worrying about traffic delays. As long as you’re able to avoid the worst of rush hour packed trains, it’s just the best. If only every city could figure out their rail systems…
Pretty much the same reasons I like traveling on trains. The reasons why I don’t like plane traveling nearly as much (kind of hate it TBH) is the whole airport bureaucracy and security theater you need to go through just to get on the plane. And the incredibly cramped seats (though maybe not a factor for you, if you were privileged enough not to fly Economy).
Yeah, I’ll admit, getting to fly business frequently as a child probably gave me an unrealistic view of what flying would be like for myself later in life. But except for one flight I randomly got bumped, I’ve only done economy my whole adult life and still can’t help but be in a good mood thinking about a flight.
I do agree about the airport hassles, having to go through easily two hours of bureaucracy and waiting before even getting on a plane is kinda crazy, guess I’ve just come to accept it to the point I don’t really think about it too much. I’m just looking forward to the plane, and maybe finding a little nook to wait in before the flight starts boarding where my brain can already start transitioning to “nothing’s stopping you from just shutting off” mode. Airplane mode also means I’m not getting any work texts or messages while I’m in the air, which has definitely happened on trains.
I used to only fly for work, and only in the middle of the weekm i thought complaints about the whole process were overrated.
Then I flew for a personal trips on a Saturday. It was NOT the same experience.
What do you like about planes?
I like to see all the technical aspects of it, but the actual transportation part is so bad for me. And not to speak of the emissions it creates. I nlw try to avoid planes, trains are nearly as interesting and much more pleasant for everyone.
Everything. It’s sitting in a chair flying through the air. What’s not to like? I don’t think trains really compare. Like you can’t even look out the window and watch the control surfaces.
Sure, there is delays and all the other people which are quite annoying, but that’s also true for trains.
That I totally understand!
But planes (at least in economy) have very little space and you don’t have a real table to work/chill/play on. It’s loud, space is generally very limited and you can’t bring a lot of your own food. Also it is much darker than with large train windows.