Passenger facts for kids

A passenger is a person who travels in a vehicle like a car, bus, or train. They are not the driver or anyone working as part of the vehicle's crew.

People often use the word "passenger" in two main ways:

• Someone riding in a car or van. This can be a friend, family member, or anyone else, whether they paid for the ride or not.
• Someone who pays to travel on public transport like a bus, train, aircraft, or ship. The people who work on these vehicles are called the crew, not passengers.

In most places, the companies that own these vehicles and their crew have legal duties to keep their passengers safe and comfortable during the journey.

What is a Passenger?

A passenger is simply someone who is being transported from one place to another. They are not in control of the vehicle, nor are they part of the team operating it. Think of it like this: if you're riding your bike, you're the rider. If you're riding in a car driven by your parent, you're a passenger.

Different Kinds of Passengers

The word "passenger" can describe different situations, depending on how someone is traveling.

Everyday Passengers

Many people are passengers every day without even thinking about it. When you ride in a car with a family member or a friend, you are a passenger. This is true whether you are going to school, a sports practice, or just a friend's house. You don't pay for these rides, but you are still a passenger because someone else is driving.

Public Transport Passengers

When you pay to ride on a bus, train, airplane, or ship, you are also a passenger. These are often called "fare-paying passengers" because you pay a fare (money) for your journey. On these types of trips, the people who work on the vehicle, like bus drivers, train conductors, pilots, or flight attendants, are called the crew. They are working, so they are not considered passengers.

Your Rights as a Passenger

When you travel, especially on public transport, you have certain legal rights. These rights are in place to make sure you are safe and treated fairly. Companies that operate vehicles have a responsibility to:

• Make sure their vehicles are safe and well-maintained.
• Ensure their crew members are properly trained.
• Provide a safe environment for everyone on board.
• Help passengers in case of an emergency.

These rules help protect everyone who travels, making journeys safer and more reliable.

Images for kids

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  Passengers on a boat in the Danube Delta, 2008

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  Passengers in the lounge car of an Amtrak San Joaquin Valley train, California, 2014

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  Passenger on a bicycle

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  PATH train with "NO PAX" on its destination sign

See also

In Spanish: Pasajero para niños