mass rapid transit
- noun
- /mæs ˈræpɪd ˈtrænzɪt/
:
transporte rápido masivo
- Some of its proposals were very similar to ideas in the Delhi government's action plan: a phasing out of old vehicles; a possible phaseout of two-stroke vehicles, including two- and three-wheelers; improved traffic flow; a bypass around Delhi; a mass rapid transit system; improved fuel quality; and the introduction of CNG-fueled buses.
Examples
-
The mass rapid transit trains run frequently, making it easy for passengers to travel around the city.
-
Many commuters rely on the mass rapid transit system to get to work quickly and efficiently.
-
The city is planning to build a new mass rapid transit system to reduce traffic congestion.
Synonyms
17
2.4
Electric trains that run under a city and carry many people
3
3.2
A fast public train system in a city that runs often and carries many people
How Extensive
3
3.2
- US
16
1.9
- US
177
3.6
10
1.0
29
4.1
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is directly compositional: mass = large numbers, rapid = fast, transit = transport, so a B1 learner who knows the words can infer it refers to a fast public transport system for moving many passengers. Similar compounds like mass transit or rapid transit and equivalent constructions in many languages make this interpretation obvious rather than idiomatic.
Etymology
Mass rapid transit comes from the words mass (many people), rapid (fast), and transit (moving from one place to another). It pictures trains that carry large numbers of passengers quickly across a city, so it means 'a fast way to move many people'.