<P> Investment in public transport also has secondary positive effects on the local economy, with between $4 and $9 of economic activity resulting from every dollar spent . Many businesses rely on access to a transit system, in particular in cities and countries where access to cars is less widespread, businesses which require large numbers of people going to a same place may not be able to accommodate a large number of cars (concert venues, sport stadia, airports, exhibitions centres, ...), or businesses where people are not able to use a car (bars, hospitals, or industries in the tourism sector whose customers may not have their cars). Transit systems also have an effect on derived businesses: commercial websites have been founded, such as Hopstop.com, that give directions through mass transit systems; in some cities, such as London, products themed on the local transport system are a popular tourist souvenir . Research in the Washington, DC area shows that public transport does a better job of providing high - skill residents with access to high - skill jobs than it does mid-skill residents to mid-skill jobs and low - skill residents to low - skill jobs . </P> <P> However, public transport projects frequently have very large upfront costs, requiring large investments from either local government or private investors . Initial estimates of project cost and timescale are frequently underestimated, and nearly all public transport requires government subsidies or direct government support in order to remain operational . </P> <P> The existence of a transit system can lower land values in some cases, either through influence on a region's demographics and crime rate (actual or perceived), or simply through the ambient noise and other discomforts the system creates . </P> <P> Longer distance public transport sometimes sell food and drinks on board, or have a dedicated buffet car or dining car . However, some urban transport systems forbid the consumption of food, drink, or even chewing gum when riding on public transport . Sometimes only certain types of food are forbidden with a higher risk of making a mess, e.g. ice creams and chips, and sometimes crisps . </P>

How does transportation in cities differ from transportation in the country