What does "public transportation" primarily refer to?

"Public transportation" primarily refers to the transportation of groups of people who are not your associates or members of your family. This definition captures the essence of public transit systems, which are designed to serve the general population and provide access to transportation services for everyone, regardless of their personal connections. Public transportation options, such as buses, trains, and subways, aim to facilitate mobility for the public at large, making it possible for individuals to use transportation services without needing to know the operator or to be part of the same social circle.

The other options do not align as closely with the widely accepted definition of public transportation. For instance, the broader concept of transportation of any group of people encompasses a range of private arrangements, while the idea that public transportation is provided by members of the public does not accurately reflect the organizational and operational systems in place, which are typically run by government agencies or licensed companies. Therefore, option B best captures the distinction and purpose of public transportation.