water bus

A water bus carries passengers across the harbor.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A passenger boat serving as public transport: A "water bus" is a boat, typically a large motorized vessel, used to transport passengers along a waterway, operating like a bus on land with regular stops and schedules.
   • A type of water taxi: In some contexts, "water bus" is synonymous with a water taxi, but it usually implies a larger capacity and a fixed route, unlike a taxi's on-demand service.

Usage Examples

• (A scheduled boat service for public transport.)
• (A boat with regular stops, like a bus route.)
• (A frequent boat service for sightseers.)

Advanced Usage

• "Water bus service": The system or network of water buses operating in a city.
  • Venice's water bus service is an essential part of daily life. (The public boat network in Venice.)
• "Water bus stop": A designated pier or dock where the water bus picks up and drops off passengers.
  • The water bus stop is marked by a blue sign near the bridge. (A specific location for boarding.)

Variants and Related Words

• Water taxi (n): A small boat that transports passengers on demand, like a taxi, often more expensive than a water bus.
  • We hired a water taxi to reach the remote island. (A private, on-demand boat.)
• Ferry (n): A boat that carries passengers and vehicles across a body of water, often on a fixed route.
  • The ferry crosses the river every hour. (A larger vessel for vehicles and people.)
• Vaporetto (n): A type of water bus used in Venice, Italy, operating on canals.
  • The vaporetto is the most common public transport in Venice. (A specific Italian water bus.)

Synonyms

• Passenger boat: A boat designed to carry people.
• Commuter boat: A boat used for regular travel between home and work.
• Launch: A large motorboat, often used for public transport.

Related Idioms

• "All aboard the water bus": A phrase used to announce the departure of the boat.
  • The captain shouted, "All aboard the water bus!" as the boat prepared to leave. (A call for passengers to board.)
• "Miss the water bus": To fail to catch the scheduled boat.
  • We missed the last water bus and had to take a taxi home. (To be late for the boat service.)

Phrasal Verbs (with "water bus" as object)

• Catch a water bus: To board a water bus for travel.
  • We need to catch the water bus at 8 a.m. to be on time. (To take a scheduled boat.)
• Take a water bus: To use a water bus as a mode of transport.
  • She takes the water bus to work every day. (To travel by water bus.)