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People forget that Septa is not the only transit system in the Philly area. The Philly area does have more people using mass transit when just going by population. However the Boston does have a higher percentage of people using mass transit than the Philadelphia area. So I guess that would make the Boston area more busier.
Amtrak and Patco, specifically, are both used for commuting.
Ever hear of a bus? Chicagoans use the bus at a 2:1 ratio to the EL
It wasn't specified whether rail-based transit only was in view or other modes of transportation. Typically these discussions center on rail, so that's the perspective I was coming from.
It wasn't specified whether rail-based transit only was in view or other modes of transportation. Typically these discussions center on rail, so that's the perspective I was coming from.
Well the reality is The CTA is the second largest transit system in the country, and Chicago has the second largest transit ridership. Not sure how or why mass transit = rail
Keep in mind Chicago is the largest over all rail hub system in the country and could easily expand it's passenger system. It was once the largest passenger rail hub center in the country during the 1930's. Chicago's CTA "EL" started in 1892. NYC subway started in 1904. DC's system is relatively new by comparison.
Largest rail transit systems outside NYC
1. Chicago:
Total stations: 385(Metra 240)(CTA 145)
Lines: 19 (Metra 11)(CTA 8) Track Miles: 711 miles
2. NJ Transit:
Total stations: 222 (Rail 162)(Light Rail 60)
Lines: 14 (Rail 11)(Lightrail 3)
Track Miles: 536 miles
3. Washington DC:
Total stations: 147 (Metro 86)(VRE 18)(MARC 43)
Lines: 11 (Metro 6)(VRE 2)(MARC 3)
Track Miles: 383 miles (Metro 106)(VRE 90)(MARC 187)
Surprised by how few people mentioned LA considering it carries around 1.4 million riders a day, which would easily put it in the Top 5.
I think it's because the percentage of the population in the LA area who actually use mass transit is very low compared to the other top cities. When you look at how big the Los Angeles MSA population is, many feel that it's transit ridership numbers should be on par if not higher than Chicagoland.
Philly, Sf, and Boston all have over one million riders too with much smaller populations. So, that equates to a much much busier transit overall.
I would rank them like this:
NYC
Chicago
Dc
Philly
Boston
Sf
La
SF doesn't have over a million riders, MUNI only carries about 750K.
I just think it's kind of ridiculous LA is getting so short changed when it carries nearly 1.4 million riders daily.
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