22 U.S. Cities Where Public Transport Is Better Than Ever

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Once upon a time, taking public transportation in the U.S. meant squeezing into an overpacked subway car with no air conditioning or waiting hours for a bus. But times are changing! Cities nationwide have been pouring billions into improving public transit, making it faster, greener, and more efficient. Here are 22 cities where public transportation is better than ever.

New York City, NY

Let’s start with the obvious. The New York City Subway, with 472 stations and 24 lines, runs 24/7 and serves over 3 million riders daily. It’s the most extensive rapid transit system by station count globally. Also, the MTA bus network, with over 300 routes, complements the subway, serving areas with fewer train lines. The MTA recently rolled out OMNY, a tap-to-pay system that lets you ditch those flimsy MetroCards. Still, the occasional track fire remains a time-honored tradition.

San Francisco, CA

BART and Muni are getting much-needed facelifts. Muni operates buses, light rail, and the famous cable cars, covering San Francisco’s 49 square miles with over 45 routes. The Muni Metro (light rail) runs underground downtown and on the street level elsewhere. A single ride costs $2.50 with a Clipper card, and transfers are free within 2 hours. BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) connects SF with the East Bay and South Bay, with fares based on distance (e.g., $5.40 from SFO to downtown).

Seattle, WA

Seattle’s Link Light Rail keeps expanding, with new stations making it easier to get around without a car. The Sounder Train provides commuter rail service to Tacoma and Everett, though it runs mainly during rush hours. The Seattle Streetcar operates two short lines: South Lake Union and First Hill. And, while reliable, transit struggles with delays due to Seattle’s hilly terrain and congestion. Still, it ranks among the top U.S. cities for public transit accessibility. Plus, ferries! Because who doesn’t love a scenic commute across Puget Sound?

Washington, D.C.

Metro renovations have improved service reliability, and the Silver Line extension now connects Dulles Airport directly to the city. D.C. also has a robust bike-share system with over 4,500 Capital Bikeshare bikes at 700+ stations. Ride-sharing, taxis, and electric scooters add flexibility. However, Metro has seen service disruptions due to maintenance and aging infrastructure. Still, about 36% of D.C. commuters use transit: The second-highest rate in the U.S. (U.S. Census). And, with ongoing improvements, including new 8000-series railcars, D.C.’s transit is key to navigating the capital efficiently.

Boston, MA

The MBTA (T) has been modernizing its train fleet, adding new buses, and expanding accessibility. The T includes subway, buses, commuter rail, and ferries. The subway, America’s oldest, was founded in 1897 and is the backbone. The subway has four color-coded lines: Red, Orange, Blue, and Green, connecting major neighborhoods. The Silver Line offers bus rapid transit, including a direct link to Logan Airport. But let’s be honest: the T still shuts down at midnight because, apparently, Bostonians don’t party late.

Los Angeles, CA

Yes, LA is car-dependent, but Metro is putting up a fight. The Metro Bike Share program offers approximately 1,400 bikes across 93 stations in areas like Downtown LA and Venice. To facilitate seamless travel across these services, Metro utilizes the TAP card system, a reloadable fare card accepted on buses, trains, and even bike shares. And, as of July 2023, Metro introduced fare capping, ensuring passengers never pay more than $5 daily or $18 weekly, enhancing affordability for regular commuters. Give it another decade, and LA may become… livable.

Chicago, IL

Chicago has one of the most comprehensive public transit systems in the U.S., operated primarily by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). The CTA runs eight “L” (elevated) train lines and over 100 bus routes, covering the city and 35 surrounding suburbs. The Red and Blue Lines operate 24/7, making Chicago one of the few cities with continuous train service. The system sees over 1.5 million daily riders (pre-pandemic). However, surviving a Chicago winter while waiting for the L? That’s still an extreme sport.

Denver, CO

RTD continues expanding its light rail and bus rapid transit (BRT) networks, making it easier to avoid I-25 traffic. The RTD Light Rail has eight lines (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, L, N, R, and W) with over 113 miles of track. The A Line connects downtown to Denver International Airport (DIA) in about 37 minutes for $10.50. RTD’s bus system also has over 100 routes, including the Free MallRide and Free MetroRide downtown.

Portland, OR

TriMet’s MAX light rail system is one of the best in the country, with frequent service and expanded lines. The Portland Streetcar complements these services with three lines covering 16 miles of track, connecting key areas such as the Pearl District, downtown, and the South Waterfront. The A and B Loops traverse the Tilikum Crossing, a bridge dedicated exclusively to pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit. The city also invests heavily in bike infrastructure, proving you can get around without a car and look effortlessly hip.

Austin, TX

Project Connect is bringing light rail to the land of tacos and tech startups. The Metrobus system also operates 71 routes, including 13 high-frequency lines that run every 15 minutes or less, ensuring efficient citywide coverage. Complementing this is the MetroRapid service, featuring two routes with limited stops and real-time arrival information, enhancing travel convenience. CapMetro also provides 26 Park & Ride facilities, allowing commuters to park their vehicles and utilize public transit for the remainder of their journey. The goal? To make Austin less of a parking nightmare during SXSW.

Philadelphia, PA

SEPTA is improving train frequency, upgrading stations, and even working on contactless payments (finally). The city’s extensive trolley network also remains an underrated gem. For visitors, the Philly PHLASH Downtown Loop provides an affordable and accessible way to reach key attractions, such as Independence Hall and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, with 20 stops along its route. The service operates daily in the spring, summer, and around the winter holidays and on weekends during the fall and winter.

Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN

Minneapolis–St. Paul boasts a comprehensive public transportation system managed by Metro Transit, encompassing buses, light rail, and commuter trains. The METRO Blue Line connects downtown Minneapolis to the Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport and the Mall of America, while the METRO Green Line links downtown Minneapolis, the University of Minnesota, and downtown St. Paul. Also, in 2023, Metro Transit provided nearly 45 million rides across the Twin Cities region. Plus, heated bus stops help commuters survive the tundra known as “winter in Minnesota.”

Miami, FL

Navigating Miami’s public transit is like salsa dancing: Rhythmic, lively, and occasionally unpredictable. The Metromover is a free, elevated people mover that loops around Downtown and Brickell, whisking you to hotspots like Bayfront Park and Brickell City Centre without costing a dime. And don’t overlook the charming Miami Trolley. It’s free and services neighborhoods like Coconut Grove and Little Havana.

San Diego, CA

San Diego’s public transportation is as vibrant as its sunny beaches! The San Diego Trolley, with its iconic bright red cars, zips through 65 miles of track, connecting 62 stations across the city. The Blue Line, for instance, stretches from the U.S.-Mexico border at San Ysidro to the UTC Transit Center near La Jolla. And let’s not forget the COASTER train, offering breathtaking coastal views as it connects downtown San Diego to Oceanside. Also, with dedicated bus lanes, San Diego’s public transit is becoming almost as attractive as its beaches.

Atlanta, GA

Atlanta’s public transportation is like that trusty old friend who shows up just in time—reliable, efficient, and occasionally surprising. The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) operates buses and trains that whisk you around the city faster than you can say “Peachtree Street” (and trust us, there are a lot of those). Plus, with four rail lines—Red, Gold, Blue, and Green—MARTA connects key spots like the airport, downtown, and various neighborhoods. Not to mention, a single ride costs $2.50, making it a budget-friendly option.

Salt Lake City, UT

All aboard the Salt Lake City Transit Express! Our trusty Utah Transit Authority (UTA) operates a trifecta of travel: TRAX light rail, FrontRunner commuter trains, and buses galore. TRAX boasts three lines: the Blue Line zips from downtown to Draper, the Red Line connects the University of Utah to Daybreak, and the Green Line shuttles travelers from the airport to West Valley City. So, ditch the car, grab a seat, and let UTA do the driving.

Charlotte, NC

Charlotte’s public transit, operated by the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), offers a variety of options for navigating the city. The Lynx Blue Line, a 19.3-mile light rail, zips from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte to I-485/South Boulevard, making 26 stops, including Uptown and the trendy NoDa district. Also, trains run every 10 minutes during peak hours, with a wallet-friendly fare of $2.20 per ride. In short, Charlotte is quietly becoming a transit powerhouse in the South.

Houston, TX

Houston’s METRORail and redesigned bus system prove that even the most car-loving cities can embrace transit. Buses are the backbone of METRO, with over 1,200 vehicles traversing 83 local routes and 31 commuter routes. The standard fare is $1.25, but discounts are available for seniors, students, and others. Houston has more than 400 miles of bike lanes and trails for the eco-conscious, with plans to reach 500 miles by 2025. The Houston BCycle program offers over 1,100 bikes at more than 150 stations, making pedal-powered transit a breeze.

Dallas, TX

Dallas boasts a public transportation system as big as a Texas-sized belt buckle. The Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) system features the nation’s longest light rail network, stretching over 90 miles and connecting 65 stations. And, with four color-coded lines—Red, Blue, Green, and Orange—DART whisks riders from the bustling downtown to far-flung suburbs like Plano and Carrollton. Further, the Silver Line project will boost connectivity. Texas is doing transit, y’all!

Phoenix, AZ

The Valley Metro Light Rail expansion is making Phoenix less car-dependent. Buses? They’ve got those in spades: Over 100 routes covering a 513-square-mile area. Whether you’re hopping on a local line or an express, there’s a seat with your name on it. The Valley Metro app offers real-time tracking for the tech-savvy traveler so that you can time your arrival perfectly—no more awkward small talk at the bus stop. And let’s not forget the PHX Sky Train®, whisking passengers from the 44th Street/Washington station straight to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. It’s like having your chauffeur, minus the tuxedo.

Las Vegas, NV

Navigating Las Vegas without a car? Piece of cake! The city’s public transport is as flashy as its neon lights. Hop on the Deuce, a double-decker bus cruises the Strip 24/7, stopping at major hotels and attractions. A 24-hour pass will set you back just $8. Would you prefer a more personalized ride? Uber and Lyft are plentiful, offering flexible options to suit your schedule. And let’s not forget the free trams linking hotels like Mandalay Bay, Luxor, and Excalibur, saving your feet for the casino dance floors.

San Jose, CA

San Jose’s public transit is like a well-oiled machine—if tech-savvy wizards designed that machine with a penchant for punctuality. The Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) operates a network of buses and light rail lines that whisk you away to key destinations faster than you can say “Silicon Valley.” Buses complement this with 70 routes, ensuring no corner of the city feels left out. And if you’re looking to venture beyond, Caltrain and BART have your back, linking San Jose to the broader Bay Area.

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