Dunkirk, a city of about 200,000 people in France, is experimenting with free bus service for everyone in the city, an initiative that many passengers seem to approve of so far, as shown in higher ridership. While Dunkirk is the largest city to try free public transportation, it's far from the first; however, concerns about financial stability have limited the initiative's reach.

Finland is at the forefront of conceptualizing mobility as a service. In Helsinki, citizens are getting rid of their cars and using Whim instead. The app gives users unlimited access to all transport options (bus, train, bike, taxi, and car) for a single monthly subscription.

Oakland, California is showing big cities that transit-oriented development is possible. After a decade of planning between public transportation officials, developers, and a neighborhood organization, the Fruitvale Transit Village opened in 2004. It includes commercial space, affordable housing units, and a health clinic. Instead of gentrifying the area, the Fruitvale Transit Village helped turn around a struggling neighborhood while keeping people of color in the community.

In what was once a violent neighborhood ruled by drug cartels and fear, prosperity and community are now blossoming in Medellin, thanks to an effective new form of public transportation: cable cars. The gondola system has allowed those neighborhoods on the steep slopes surrounding the city center - those which were not accessible by traditional rail systems and which suffered severe vehicle traffic congestion - to link to the rest of the city, improving job opportunities, access to basic and emergency services, and more.

The capital city of San José in Costa Rica is taking steps to become greener and less dependent on cars. By focusing on public transportation initiatives like city bikes and bike lanes, a green esplanade, and an electric passenger train, the city is hoping to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and help the country reach net zero-carbon by 2050. While the cost of these projects can be pricey, many residents are strong advocates for making the city more sustainable.