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

Talking Headways Podcast: The Lost Subways of North America

Author Jake Berman discusses transit histories through the lens of racial dynamics, monopolies, ballot measures and overlooked cities.

January 15, 2026

A ‘Demographic Time Bomb’ Is About To Go Off — And the Transportation Sector Isn’t Ready

A top firm is warning that the "silver tsunami" will have big implications for the climate, unless U.S. communities act fast.

January 15, 2026

Thursday’s Headlines Shoot for the Moon

What if the U.S. spent anything near what it spends on highways on transit instead?

January 15, 2026

Is it Time to Try Congestion Pricing in San Francisco?

Congestion pricing has been an unqualified success in New York (and lots of other places). Why wouldn't it work elsewhere?

January 14, 2026

Analysis: What It Would Take To Put America First in Transit Again

No, it won't be easy. Yes, it can be done.

January 14, 2026
See all posts