Public Transportation in the United States Mapped
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The percentage of Americans using public transit to get to work varies across the country and can depend on factors like the availability and efficiency of public transportation systems, population density, and urban planning.
On a national level, approximately 5% of American workers used public transportation as their primary means of commuting to work. However, this percentage varies significantly between urban and rural areas. In large cities and metropolitan regions, the usage of public transit tends to be much higher, while it is lower in suburban and rural areas.
In major metropolitan areas like New York City, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., public transit is a major mode of commuting for a significant portion of the population, often exceeding 20-30% of workers. These cities have extensive and well-developed public transportation systems. In contrast, rural areas may have limited or no access to public transit, resulting in very low usage.
The map of the United States below shows metro areas where over 5% of the population uses public transit to get to work.
Metropolitan areas with the most developed public transportation systems, high population densities, and a reliance on mass transit for daily commuting:
- New York City, New York: New York City consistently ranks as the metropolitan area with the highest percentage of public transit users in the United States. The city’s extensive subway and bus network, along with commuter rail options, make it a vital mode of transportation for millions of residents and commuters.
- San Francisco-Oakland, California: The San Francisco Bay Area has a robust public transit system, including BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) and bus networks. Many residents and workers in San Francisco and surrounding cities rely on public transit for their daily commutes.
- Washington, D.C.: The Washington, D.C. metropolitan area has an extensive public transportation system, including Metrorail and midribs. A significant portion of commuters in the nation’s capital and its suburbs use public transit to get to work.
- Boston, Massachusetts: The Greater Boston area boasts an efficient public transportation system, with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) serving the city and its suburbs. Many residents in and around Boston use public transit for their daily commutes.
- Chicago, Illinois: The Chicago metropolitan area has a well-established public transit system, including the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and Metra commuter rail. Public transit is a popular choice for many commuters in the Windy City and its suburbs.
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Philadelphia has an extensive public transportation network, including SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority), serving the city and its surrounding counties. Public transit is a common mode of commuting for many in the region.
To learn more about the American transportation system, have a look at the following road atlases and map posters:
