In this piece, we are going to look at 15 Cities with the Worst Public Transportation in the US. If you want to skip our detailed discussion of the transportation industry, you can go directly to 5 Cities with the Worst Public Transportation in the US.
In the realm of transportation, the global public transit market reached a noteworthy valuation of $214.54 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to maintain a steady growth trajectory with a projected annual growth rate of 7.6% from 2023 to 2030. This growth trend is being primarily driven by an increased global focus on reducing traffic congestion and enhancing public transportation systems. Governments worldwide are investing in advanced technologies, innovative financing solutions, and user-centric improvements to make public transportation more appealing and efficient. Currently, the Asia Pacific region leads the way with a significant 40% market share, while Europe is gearing up for positive growth in the upcoming years.
The transportation sector is witnessing a transformation with a touch of modernization and sophistication. In the dynamic world of smart transportation, the global sector achieved a notable milestone of $110.53 billion in 2022 and is projected to continue its growth trajectory with an estimated annual growth rate of 13.0% from 2023 to 2030. This accelerated growth is being fueled by cities focusing on urban development projects, governments prioritizing environmental sustainability by reducing emissions, and a growing demand for smarter traffic management systems. From addressing the challenges of inadequate public transportation systems to managing parking constraints, cities are actively seeking innovative solutions.
Smart transportation solutions, powered by IoT and 5G technologies, are poised to revolutionize the future of transportation, with industry leaders, such as Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER), Lyft (NASDAQ:LYFT) and Swvl Holdings Corp. (NASDAQCM:SWVL), maintaining momentum and driving market advancements.
Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER), recognized for its diverse services in ride-hailing, courier services, and food delivery, achieved its first annual operating profit. Operating globally in 70 countries and 10,500 cities, Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER) recorded a turnaround in 2023, reporting profits of $1.1 billion, following previous losses. CEO Prashanth Mahendra-Rajah plans to share further details on capital allocation with investors as the company’s market value approaches $150 billion.
Conversely, Lyft (NASDAQ:LYFT), an American mobility services company operating in the U.S. and select Canadian cities, reported full-year revenue of $4.40 billion in 2023, reflecting a 7.5% increase from the previous year. Despite Lyft (NASDAQ:LYFT) experiencing a net loss of $340.3 million, there was a significant reduction of 79% compared to the previous fiscal year.
In addition, Swvl Holdings Corp. (NASDAQCM:SWVL), a Dubai-based provider of tech-driven mass transit solutions, expanded its services to 135 cities across 20 countries. To achieve profitability, Swvl Holdings Corp. (NASDAQCM:SWVL) focused on key markets like Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, transitioning to a B2B model by divesting subsidiaries. Despite a 49% revenue drop year-on-year, the company reported a net profit of $2.1 million in the first half of 2023, marking a substantial improvement from the previous year. These advancements illustrate the evolving landscape of the transportation industry, with companies adapting to new technologies, market demands, and strategies to drive sustainable growth and efficiency.
Copyright: demerzel21 / 123RF Stock Photo
Methodology
In compiling our list of 15 Cities with the Worst Public Transportation in the US, we initially based our methodology on a study conducted by Easy Park. This study delved into four key areas to evaluate the efficiency and sustainability of each city’s mobility infrastructure within the respective countries. These areas included the following aspects: Digital Life, which assesses technology adoption in education and healthcare; Mobility Innovation, encompassing parking and traffic management; Business Tech Infrastructure; and Environmental Sustainability, focusing on climate response and waste management. Each of these factors plays a vital role in shaping the overall transportation network of a region, guiding our decision-making process. We assigned weights of 20% to Digital Life, Business Innovation, and Environmental Sustainability, with Mobility Innovation receiving a higher weight of 40% due to its central importance. The resultant scores indicate the level of advancement and creativity embedded in the transportation systems of the selected cities. Lower scores indicate a comparatively less efficient overall transportation system within the city as compared to peer locations.
Moreover, to enrich our analysis, we also considered a study by Clever, a real estate advisor, to factor in Public Transit Commute Time for the shortlisted cities derived from our initial research. By integrating this, we ranked countries based on our Insider Monkey score, which combines transit commute time with intelligence & sustainability scores of the countries. A lower Indider Monkey score indicates a lower ranking for the city in terms of overall transportation efficiency.
With this, let’s now jump to our list of 15 Cities with the Worst Public Transportation in the US.
By the way, Insider Monkey is an investing website that tracks the movements of corporate insiders and hedge funds. By using a similar consensus approach, we identify the best stock picks of more than 900 hedge funds investing in US stocks. The top 10 consensus stock picks of hedge funds outperformed the S&P 500 Index by more than 140 percentage points over the last 10 years (see the details here). Whether you are a beginner investor or professional one looking for the best stocks to buy, you can benefit from the wisdom of hedge funds and corporate insiders.
15. Austin, Texas
Mobility Innovation Index: 73.85
Public Transit Commute Time (mins): 40.0
Insider Monkey Score: 11.5
Despite being a popular city for newcomers in the United States, Austin faces challenges with its transportation network. The rapid population growth, with approximately 100 new residents added daily and a 36% increase from 2010 to 2020, has strained the city’s roads and highways, resulting in significant congestion.
Additionally, Austin experienced a record number of traffic-related fatalities in 2023, with 122 reported deaths. To address these issues, city officials and transportation authorities, including CapMetro, have proposed a solution in the form of Project Connect. This $11.6 billion public transportation plan aims to alleviate congestion and improve mobility in Austin through the implementation of light-rail lines, an underground subway system, and an expanded bus network. Austin is 15th on our list of Cities with the Worst Public Transportation in the US.
14. Chicago, Illinois
Mobility Innovation Index: 78.66
Public Transit Commute Time (mins): 49.9
Insider Monkey Score: 11.00
Chicago’s CTA public transportation system has been plagued by challenges since the pandemic began. Riders have faced unreliable wait times, tracking issues, and buses not showing up. The CTA cites a shortage of drivers as the main cause but has struggled to fill the gap. This has led to schedule changes, making wait times longer, especially during rush hour. Passengers have also raised concerns about safety and cleanliness, prompting the CTA to increase security measures, but reports suggest that issues persist despite these efforts.
13. Boston, Massachusetts
Mobility Innovation Index: 75.66
Public Transit Commute Time (mins): 47.70
Insider Monkey Score: 10.50
Boston is 13th on our list of Cities with the Worst Public Transportation in the US.Boston’s transportation network is ranked among the worst globally, as per a study by transportation analytics firm INRIX. The city’s traffic congestion is so severe that the average commuter spent 99 hours stuck in traffic in 2022. For those choosing public transit as an alternative to driving, challenges persist, including slow zones, staffing shortages, and safety issues, all contributing to delays in commuting times.
12. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Mobility Innovation Index: 75.16
Public Transit Commute Time (mins): 48.40
Insider Monkey Score: 9.50
Philadelphia’s transportation network faces significant challenges, with much of SEPTA’s transit infrastructure being over 50 years old, and some parts even exceeding 100 years. Currently, many Philadelphians endure long commutes with multiple mode transfers to access work and essential services. The city’s transit system suffers from prolonged and indirect bus routes, infrequent service, traffic congestion, accessibility barriers, and a historical focus on regional service at the expense of inner-city routes. These challenges have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring the urgent need for attention and improvement in the city’s transportation infrastructure.
11. San Diego, California
Mobility Innovation Index: 76.53
Public Transit Commute Time (mins): 51.10
Insider Monkey Score: 9.00
San Diego’s Metropolitan Transit System faces a challenge with its low-frequency service, despite having a trolley system that ranked first in ridership among all U.S. light rail systems in 2022. Frequency of service plays a crucial role in attracting riders, and it is essential for a successful transit network. While San Diego is experiencing rapid densification around transit hubs with notable projects like SDSU Mission Valley and Riverwalk, the MTS has not made significant improvements in increasing service frequencies. The importance of frequency in driving ridership is highlighted by the example of Calgary, Canada’s CTrain light rail system, which achieved high ridership numbers per track mile despite being surrounded by low-density, unwalkable areas. Increasing service frequency is a key aspect to enhance the efficiency and popularity of San Diego’s transit system. San Diego is 11th on our list of Cities with the Worst Public Transportation in the US.
10. Portland, Oregon
Mobility Innovation Index: 70.28
Public Transit Commute Time (mins): 44.80
Insider Monkey Score: 7.50
The Portland Bureau of Transportation is facing a significant financial challenge due to historic revenue shortfalls, resulting in a $32 million deficit in its operating budget. The Director of the agency has highlighted the “precarious situation” at a recent council meeting, expressing concern that essential transportation services in Portland are at risk. The bureau relies primarily on state and local gas taxes and parking fees for its discretionary budget, but a decline in revenue from these sources due to factors like increased fuel efficiency and reduced road traffic during the pandemic has exacerbated the funding shortfall. To cope with the financial strain, the bureau has implemented annual budget cuts, staff layoffs, and depleted emergency reserves.
9. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Mobility Innovation Index: 69.60
Public Transit Commute Time (mins): 41.00
Insider Monkey Score: 7.50
The Pittsburgh Regional Transit faced criticism for service cuts and poor on-time performance, leading to concerns of a transportation crisis in the region. Advocates, including representatives from Pittsburghers for Public Transit, expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of transparency regarding service impact and the board’s responsiveness to rider complaints. Agency has acknowledged the challenges due to a severe manpower shortage following the pandemic. It is indicated that steps to be taken by the agency are expected to improve hiring this year, aiming to restore existing service levels without further cuts. Pittsburgh is 9th on our list of Cities with the Worst Public Transportation in the US.
8. Atlanta, Georgia
Mobility Innovation Index: 75.95
Public Transit Commute Time (mins): 54.10
Insider Monkey Score: 6.50
8th on our list of Cities with the Worst Public Transportation in the US is Atlanta. Atlanta’s transportation network is facing significant challenges, with two major interstates, I-85 and I-20, experiencing damage within a short timeframe. Various incidents, including a bridge fire, road buckling, flooding, and a sinkhole, have emphasized the urgent need for infrastructure repairs in the city. Despite Atlanta’s heavy reliance on cars, ongoing issues with the interstate system highlight the importance of addressing transportation vulnerabilities. Historically, public distrust and apprehension toward public transportation, notably MARTA, have hindered support and funding for transit improvements in Atlanta.
7. Phoenix, Arizona
Mobility Innovation Index: 73.04
Public Transit Commute Time (mins): 51.10
Insider Monkey Score: 6.50
The public transportation network in Phoenix faces criticism for its unreliability and lack of communication during service disruptions. Passengers have expressed frustration over breakdowns, delays, and inconsistency in service, leading to challenges in planning and reliance on the system. These issues have contributed to a loss of faith in the Metro Bus and Train services, with concerns about the accuracy of schedules and the effectiveness of the communication regarding route changes or cancellations. Inconsistent service delivery has resulted in missed opportunities and difficulties for passengers who rely on public transit for their daily commutes and activities.
6. Miami, Florida
Mobility Innovation Index: 74.45
Public Transit Commute Time (mins): 51.60
Insider Monkey Score: 6.00
6th on our list of Cities with the Worst Public Transportation in the US is Miami. South Florida residents have been facing significant traffic and transit challenges, as highlighted in a recent report by INRIX, a prominent transportation analytics company. The report ranks the metro area as the fifth most congested in the United States and the ninth globally. Miami drivers spent an average of 105 hours in traffic last year, more than double the national average of 51 hours. The report also indicates a decrease in travel speeds during peak hours, dropping from 34 miles per hour in 2021 to 25 miles per hour in 2022, while off-peak speeds remained relatively consistent. The congestion not only leads to slower travel but also comes at a financial cost, with traffic costing Miami drivers an average of $1,733 per year.
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Disclosure: None. 15 Cities with the Worst Public Transportation in the US is originally published on Insider Monkey.