Public transportation is an essential part of daily life for many people in the United States. However, in some states, the level of service and convenience provided by public transit systems leaves much to be desired.
This article will explore the 20 worst states for public transport users, examining the factors that contribute to these shortcomings and discussing possible solutions for improvement.
Top 20 States with Challenges in Public Transport
Public transportation systems vary greatly throughout America. States like New York, Washington, and California face modernization challenges, while others struggle with accessibility. Let’s explore the top 20 states with public transport challenges:
- Nebraska
- Mississippi
- Louisiana
- Arizona
- Maine
- Vermont
- Minnesota
- Delaware
- Connecticut
- New Jersey
- Massachusetts
- Illinois
- Atlanta
- Indianapolis
- Detroit
- Tampa
- Philadelphia
- Seattle
- Houston
- Las Vegas
Note: List is not exhaustive nor in any particular order.
New York
New York is known for its extensive public transportation network, including buses, subways, and commuter rails. The city’s system is the busiest in the US, with a high share of transit users.
However, despite its popularity, it’s not always a smooth ride, and improvements could be made in terms of safety and reliability.
Washington
Washington ranks as the second-worst state for driving in the U.S., plagued by traffic congestion and potholes. However, it does boast the nation’s largest public vanpool fleet, with over 3,000 vanpools catering to more than 18,000 daily commuters. Despite this, the state’s overall public transport usage remains low when compared to others.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts ranks eighth in the United States for public transportation safety. Nevertheless, the state has been ranked among the worst for driving conditions.
Despite the safety aspect, public transit users in Massachusetts may still be impacted by factors like traffic congestion and poor road conditions.
California
California ranks as one of the best states in public transit usage. Its diverse systems, like BART, Metro, and Caltrain, connect major urban areas. However, not all areas enjoy the same level of access.
To further improve, California should focus on expanding services, increasing station density, and addressing transportation needs in under-served regions. With proper investments, public transit in the Golden State can become even better for users.
Illinois
Illinois ranked as the second most dangerous state for public transport accidents with 64.8 incidents per 100,000 people. Since 2010, there have been 20,910 collisions, injuries, and fatalities.
Despite its relatively small size, Illinois experienced a rate of incidents 198% higher than the country’s average. Travelers should exercise caution while using public transport in the state.
New Jersey
New Jersey is unfortunately known for its poor public transportation. With high congestion levels and low-quality roads, commuters face significant challenges.
A notable fact: the state has the highest spending on highways per mile, yet it has not led to better transit conditions. Good luck out there, fellow commuters!
Connecticut
Connecticut’s public transportation system faces several challenges. The state ranks fifth worst in road conditions, which can impact bus services.
However, it’s not all bad news. Connecticut is working to improve its transportation infrastructure. This includes innovative policies in areas like sustainability. As a result, the situation could improve for public transport users over time.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s public transportation system is ranked in the middle of the pack in comparison to the other United States. Factors such as cost, accessibility, and user-friendliness contribute to this placement.
Despite being known for their prominent cities, such as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania faces issues related to infrastructure. The state is ranked as the 11th worst in the nation in this aspect.
It’s worth noting that Pennsylvania is a diverse state with a mix of urban, suburban, and rural areas. Public transit options may vary significantly between these surroundings, further affecting its overall position for public transportation users.
Louisiana
Louisiana’s public transportation historically falls short when compared to other states. The transportation system struggles to provide adequate connectivity and services to its residents.
Road congestion and limited transit options led to a 20% increase in vehicle miles traveled since 2000. The lack of robust public transit affects citizens’ daily lives and state’s economy.
Nebraska
Nebraska’s public transportation system is not well-known or easily accessible. Although 82 of the state’s 93 counties have some form of public transportation, it faces challenges such as:
- Limited bus stops
- Difficult access for rural residents
- Lack of infrastructure
Nebraska’s poor infrastructure also contributes to the low public transit usage, making it one of the worst states for public transport users.
Arizona
Arizona ranks 55th overall in public transportation. The state’s largest city, Phoenix, has room for improvement. Highlights include the 26th position in “accessibility and convenience.”
The safety and reliability score is 61, while “public transit resources” is ranked 67th. Some users feel that the city’s spread-out nature makes enhancing public transport challenging.
Mississippi
Public transportation in Mississippi faces considerable challenges. The state has seen a 19 percent increase in vehicle miles traveled from 2000 to 2016. Rural areas especially suffer from limited access to public transit options. Mississippi ranks low in factors like energy, internet access, and transportation compared to other states.
Colorado
As a beautiful state, Colorado sadly ranks among the worst states for driving. Congestion is a pain point with Colorado drivers losing 99 hours yearly on average.
In public transportation, the state faces challenges with driver shortages potentially linked to fears of assault and drug use. These problems need action to improve mobility for residents and visitors alike.
Maine
Maine’s transportation system faces challenges, with a dependence on cars, limited public transit, and rough road conditions. Climate change, new technology, and COVID-19 are factors prompting a rethinking of the state’s transportation needs.
Despite having picturesque landscapes, Maine unfortunately ranks low in terms of transportation infrastructure. The state’s heavy reliance on cars leaves public transport users with limited options. However, changes are underway to address these concerns in the future.
Missouri
Missouri’s public transportation system ranks quite low, placing the state in the bottom 10 percent of WalletHub’s list. Interestingly, it scored better for Accessibility & Convenience. Nevertheless, Missouri is 45th in per capita funding for public transit. The need for improvement is evident, as a better public transportation system benefits many.
Hawaii
Hawaii has been ranked as the worst state for drivers, and it’s not much better for public transport users either. The state’s unique geography, with multiple islands, makes it challenging to have a comprehensive public transport system.
In Maui and Kauai, county-operated buses are available, but they don’t cover all areas. The most developed system is in Honolulu, called TheBus. Despite efforts, accessibility to public transport still remains limited.
Michigan
According to a recent study by TRIP, Michigan faces issues related to highway routes that slow work commutes. Another report shows the state struggles with energy, internet access, and transportation infrastructure.
The lack of regional transit in Detroit creates an economic impact on the area, even affecting decisions made by companies like Amazon.
Texas
Public transport in Texas faces challenges, with four of its cities ranking in the top 15 worst commutes in metro areas. Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown suffers most, as it has a high population density leading to travel issues. For those relying on public transportation, Texas might not be an ideal destination.
Georgia
Georgia is not known for its robust public transportation options. According to a study, it ranks 27th among the 50 states in transit spending.
In Atlanta, it’s particularly challenging for commuters, as the city is considered one of the worst places for public transit users, with a tied second-worst position nationwide.
Indiana
Indiana’s public transportation has been facing challenges. According to a report, Indianapolis ranks last among major cities for public transit. Fort Wayne, however, fares better due to its safety and reliability rating.
In 2022, Indiana’s 65 public transit systems saw 20 million passenger trips, up from 17.2 million in 2021. Nevertheless, this is still below pre-pandemic numbers.
Key Factors Affecting Public Transport Use
Public transport is influenced by various factors, such as commute distance, the number of cities, and resources availability. In some areas, large-scale road networks might contribute to a higher preference for private vehicles, whereas in others, advanced technology in metro systems may encourage public transport use.
Buses and metros remain popular modes of transport. However, accessibility, ridership, and convenience affect the overall public transit experience, making some regions better or worse for commuters.
