Exploring the Best Subway Systems in the U.S. Beyond New York City’s

When discussing the best subway and public transportation systems in the U.S., New York City’s subway is often the first to come to mind. However, other cities in the United States, including Chicago, Washington D.C., Boston, and Philadelphia, offer notable alternatives that are worth exploring. Let’s dive into a comparison of some of the best subway and public transportation systems in the U.S., excluding New York City.

Best Subways in the U.S.

While New York City’s subway system remains the largest and most extensive, several other cities offer subway systems that are highly regarded for their cleanliness, efficiency, and accessibility. Tokyo’s subway system in Japan stands out for its efficiency and punctuality. Following closely, London and Paris both boast extensive and well-run metro systems that serve millions of commuters daily.

Chicago: A Standing King of Public Transportation

Chicago takes the crown for the second largest and arguably one of the best transit systems in the world outside of New York City. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) system includes extensive train lines that operate around the clock. Additionally, Chicago’s bus system offers an array of routes that make the city accessible even after midnight.

Other notable cities in the U.S. that are progressively improving their public transportation systems include Washington D.C., Boston, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, and more. These cities have been working on building better infrastructure and services to cater to their growing populations.

The Heritage of Transit in Fly-Over-Land

A unique aspect of many U.S. cities, especially those outside of the major metropolitan areas, is their historical relationship with public transportation. Before World War II, many small cities had well-functioning streetcar and interurban systems. The resilience and adaptability of these cities in maintaining and upgrading their transportation infrastructure is commendable.

Several cities, including Boston and Philadelphia, have particularly seamless public transportation systems that allow residents to get almost anywhere by train within an hour or less. In these cities, cars are often not a necessity, and residents prefer alternative modes of transportation for convenience and cost efficiency.

While New York’s subway is unmatched in terms of size, certain aspects stand out. For instance, every other subway in the U.S. is more clean and often newer than New York City’s. Boston and Philadelphia’s transit systems, particularly in terms of accessibility and reliability, stand out. Boston and Philadelphia residents rarely need or desire a car as they can travel efficiently within an hour or less via train.

Conclusion

The best subway systems in the U.S. are the ones that best match the needs of their residents. Chicago’s CTA subway and elevated train system is often considered the best subway system outside of New York City. In many cases, cities like Boston and Philadelphia excel in providing comprehensive and reliable public transportation options that rival even the metropolitan giants like New York City.

The DC Metro, with its plentiful, well-maintained stations and whisper-quiet, smooth rides, holds a special place in public transportation discussions. Despite these accolades, the early closing times of DC Metro trains present challenges, making it a system that needs improvement in terms of operational hours.

Ultimately, the choice of the best subway system depends on your specific criteria. Whether it’s cleanliness, reliability, or accessibility, American cities offer a diverse array of transportation options that cater to the needs of their diverse populations.