The Worst Cities in the United States for Public Transportation

In the vast expanse of the United States, public transportation varies greatly from city to city. However, some cities present particularly challenging situations for commuters relying on public transit. This article explores the worst cities in the U.S. for public transportation, focusing on Detroit and Los Angeles. While other cities like Austin and Chicago also face issues, this piece aims to shed light on systemic flaws and potential improvements.

Detroit: A Faded System

Even though Detroit's history of public transportation dates back to the 1950s, when an extensive streetcar system provided extensive service, the city's current public transportation system falls short in several key areas.

The current bus system in Detroit is structured around a network of predominantly black lines that concentrate service downtown. The blue and green lines are less frequent, requiring longer trips outside of the city center. Only a few routes extend beyond the city limits, evidenced by the presence of the light rail line, the black "4."

Another issue is the lack of coordination between transportation systems. The metro area has its own bus system that primarily caters to downtown Detroit. This system is also inefficient in that buses often run express once they reach the city limits, making it difficult for people within Detroit to use these services.

Los Angeles: Dependent on Cars

Los Angeles stands out as a city where transportation planning seems to revolve around automobile use rather than public transit. Despite steps taken in other cities, such as Austin, to create more comprehensive transportation systems, Los Angeles has not made significant progress in recent decades.

In 1965 when I was in Berkeley, the BART system had not yet been established in the Bay Area, and San Francisco also lacked its current rapid transit system. In stark contrast, Los Angeles still relies heavily on individual car use. While efforts are being made to improve the situation in Austin, L.A. continues to suffer from persistent traffic jams and accidents.

Lessons from Other Cities

Other cities in the United States, such as Chicago and New York, have extensive transportation systems that have stood the test of time. However, these systems, while old, have managed to effectively serve their urban populations. Cities like San Francisco and Boston, with their iconic cable cars and trolleys respectively, also offer unique and reliable forms of public transportation.

In Austin, Texas, there is progress being made towards creating a more comprehensive public transportation system. This is a welcome improvement, especially considering the incessant traffic congestion and accidents that plague the city. The challenge, however, lies in replicating such successes in other cities.

Conclusion

The challenges faced by Detroit and Los Angeles in terms of public transportation are a microcosm of larger issues in the U.S. The key to improving public transportation in these cities lies in long-term planning, investment in infrastructure, and fostering a culture that embraces public transit.

While other cities continue to evolve and improve their transportation systems, cities like Detroit and Los Angeles need to catch up to meet the needs of their growing populations and alleviate the burdens of excessive reliance on personal vehicles.

For anyone looking to explore or live in one of these cities, it's crucial to factor in the availability and reliability of public transportation. By raising awareness and advocating for better public transit systems, we can make cities more sustainable and livable for everyone.