Jitney

A jitney is a form of unregulated public transportation, typically a car or small bus, that follows a fixed or semi-fixed route, often along the same paths as established public transit. It operates on a per-passenger basis, with fares typically paid individually to the driver. Jitneys often fill gaps in existing transportation networks, serving areas underserved by formal transit systems or providing a more flexible and faster alternative. They are characterized by their grassroots nature, entrepreneurial ownership, and sometimes informal operation, often making them a vital part of urban and suburban landscapes, particularly in the developing world.

Jitney meaning with examples

• In the bustling city, the dilapidated jitney, packed with commuters, offered the only viable option to reach the outlying industrial zone, where the formal city bus system failed to provide sufficient service. Despite the jostling and crowded conditions, people relied on this vital link.
• The immigrant community established its own jitney service to help people navigate from the airport to various ethnic enclaves, offering comfort and understanding in a new country, something that big taxis couldn't easily provide.
• During the transit strike, the agile jitneys swiftly gained popularity, expanding routes to meet the sudden surge in demand. The drivers thrived during the crisis, demonstrating the critical importance of informal transit solutions.
• He flagged down a passing jitney that seemed to be filled to capacity, but he managed to squeeze inside, adding a person more to the crowded confines, thus ensuring the continuation of his journey across town.
• Though criticized as a somewhat haphazard system, the ubiquitous jitney was, nevertheless, a key component of the city's transportation ecosystem, which provided cheap and fast transportation across its many districts.