The Top 19 States with the Best Public Transportation Systems

When it comes to mobility, public transportation is a key factor for many in choosing where to live. But which states offer the best options? Here’s a look at where public transit systems shine, offering reliability, extensive coverage, and convenience.

#1. New York

Image Credit: Shutterstock / littlenySTOCK

New York’s public transit system is legendary, especially in New York City with its extensive subway and bus network. The state also boasts robust rail links in and out of the city.

#2. California

Image Credit: Pexels / Jiarong Deng

From the BART in the San Francisco Bay Area to Los Angeles’s Metro Rail, California offers diverse public transportation options across its major cities.

#3. Massachusetts

Image Credit: Shutterstock / William Barton

Boston’s MBTA provides comprehensive subway, bus, and ferry services. The state also supports regional rail that connects outlying areas.

#4. Illinois

Image Credit: Pexels / Hugo Magalhaes

Chicago’s CTA system includes buses and the ‘L’ train network, covering extensive areas of the city and its suburbs, making Illinois a top state for public transit.

#5. New Jersey

Image Credit: Pexels / Uriel Mont

With extensive connections to New York City and Philadelphia, New Jersey Transit’s buses and trains are vital for commuters.

#6. Washington

Image Credit: Pexels / Sam Jotham Sutharson

Seattle’s public transportation, including buses, light rail, and ferries, is integrated and user-friendly, making Washington a leader in the Pacific Northwest.

#7. Pennsylvania

Image Credit: Pexels / Markus Spiske

Philadelphia’s SEPTA and Pittsburgh’s Port Authority offer comprehensive networks that include buses, trains, and trolleys.

#8. Maryland

Image Credit: Pexels / Elena Saharova

Maryland’s transit includes the Baltimore Metro Subway, light rail, and MARC Train service that connects to Washington, D.C.

#9. Oregon

Image Credit: Pexels / Kaique Rocha

Portland’s TriMet offers buses, light rail, and streetcars, known for their efficiency and environmental sustainability.

#10. Colorado

Image Credit: Pexels / Francesco Paggiaro

Denver’s RTD system includes buses and an expanding light rail and commuter rail network.

#11. Minnesota

Image Credit: Pexels / MART PRODUCTION

Minneapolis-St. Paul’s Metro Transit provides buses, light rail, and commuter trains that are especially praised for their cleanliness and reliability.

#12. Virginia

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Drazen Zigic

Northern Virginia’s transit systems connect seamlessly with Washington, D.C., and include extensive bus and rail services.

#13. Utah

Image Credit: Pexels / ready made

Salt Lake City’s UTA offers buses, light rail, and commuter rail that reach across multiple cities and counties.

#14. Georgia

Image Credit: Pexels / El Jundi

Atlanta’s MARTA system serves the city and its suburbs with buses and rail, essential for the sprawling metropolitan area.

#15. Florida

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Thomas Barrat

Miami’s public transportation includes Metrorail, Metrobus, and the Metromover, covering the greater Miami area.

#16. Texas

Image Credit: Pexels / João Jesus

Houston and Dallas both have developing public transit systems with light rail and buses designed to meet the needs of these growing metropolitan areas.

#17. North Carolina

Image Credit: Pexels / Vlad Chețan

Charlotte’s CATS system includes buses and light rail that aim to expand as the city grows.

#18. Ohio

Image Credit: Pexels / Juan Pablo Serrano

Cleveland’s RTA provides buses, rapid transit, and light rail, covering key areas and connecting major points in the city.

#19. Michigan

Image Credit: Pexels / Oscar Portan

Detroit’s public transportation, while less extensive, is undergoing improvements and expansions, including buses and the QLine streetcar.

Navigate Your Way to Convenience

Image Credit: Shutterstock / littlenySTOCK

Living in a state with effective public transportation can enhance your quality of life by reducing commute times and environmental impact. Whether you’re a daily commuter or enjoy exploring urban areas, these states offer some of the best public transit systems in the nation.

21 States Where Squatters Can Legally Claim Your Property

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Luciano Mortula – LGM

Discover how squatters’ rights, or adverse possession, are more than just legal jargon—they’re stories of unexpected twists in the world of real estate. From sunny California to the historical landscapes of Pennsylvania, here’s how these laws could turn the tables on homeowners and squatters alike. 21 States Where Squatters Can Legally Claim Your Property

14 Things That Are Banned in the U.S. but Totally Fine Elsewhere

Image Credit: Pexels / Ekaterina Belinskaya

Ever feel like America’s rulebook was written by someone with a dartboard? Across the pond or down under, things get even wackier. Let’s take a walk on the wild side of global “Do’s” that are definite “Don’ts” in the Land of the Free. 14 Things That Are Banned in the U.S. but Totally Fine Elsewhere

25 American States Nobody Wants to Visit Anymore

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sean Pavone

Across the United States, some states capture the hearts and itineraries of many, while others remain quietly on the sidelines, overshadowed or misunderstood. These 25 states, facing what you might call a popularity crisis, are brimming with hidden wonders, cultural riches, and natural beauty, awaiting those willing to look beyond the usual tourist trails. 25 American States Nobody Wants to Visit Anymore

20 Foods That Are Cheaper to Eat Out Than Making at Home

Image Credit: Shutterstock / LTime

In a world where convenience often wins, certain culinary delights come with a lower price tag when enjoyed at a restaurant rather than crafted in your own kitchen. Here are twenty foods that might save you both time and money when indulged in at your favorite eatery. 20 Foods That Are Cheaper to Eat out Than Making at Home

17 Things You’re Paying For, but You Don’t Have To

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Anja Ivanovic

In the land of the free, there’s a price tag on everything, but savvy Americans know better than to open their wallets for just anything. Here are 17 expenses you’ve been shelling out for without realizing there’s a cheaper or even free alternative. 17 Things You’re Paying For, but You Don’t Have To

The post The Top 19 States with the Best Public Transportation Systems first appeared on From Frugal to Free.

Featured Image Credit: Pexels / Oscar Portan.

The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute or replace professional financial advice.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

(Visited 2 times, 1 visits today)