Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Buses

Friday Video: Where Was the First Public Bus Route in the World?

...and which surprising historical figure helped launch it?

How long, exactly, have the wheels on the bus been going round and round? If you include "shared, publicly available horse-drawn carriages running on a fixed route" under the umbrella of the term "bus," the answer is actually a lot longer than you think — and you'll never guess which surprising historical figure was involved in launching the whole thing.

Check out this video from British YouTuber Tim Traveler, who travels to the likely birthplace of public transit in Paris and even takes a ride. And along the way, he learns how one of history's most famous mathematicians, inventors, and philosophers may also be able to add one more accolade to his resume: "father of the bus."

Give it a watch, and then dive into the comments for more examples of early transit that might challenge Paris for the title.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Everything You Need To Know About Zohran Mamdani — From the Pages of Streetsblog

Our New York team offers you the transportation policy highlights of Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's improbable 2025 run for City Hall.

December 31, 2025

Wednesday’s Headlines Want to Age in Place

American cities aren't particularly friendly to seniors who can no longer drive, fueling isolation and loneliness.

December 31, 2025

Some Stories That Shaped L.A. in 2025

And from the Left Coast, let's get a year-in-review, California-style.

December 30, 2025

Year in Review: What Gave Us Hope in a Dark 2025

Yes, this year was tough. Yes: we're still ending it with hope for the future.

December 30, 2025

Tuesday’s Headlines Pay Your Own Way

The Trump administration pulled $4 billion in grants for high-speed rail, and now California doesn't want it back.

December 30, 2025
See all posts