Public transportation varies across different U.S. cities, with major urban areas offering extensive networks of buses, subways, and commuter trains. Understanding how to navigate public transit can save money and time for immigrants and residents.

How to Use Public Transportation in Different Cities

1. New York City (NYC)

• Main Transit System: Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) – Operates subways, buses, and commuter trains.
• Payment Method: Use a MetroCard or OMNY contactless payment.
• Apps for Route Planning: Google Maps, MTA Trip Planner, Citymapper.

2. Los Angeles (LA)

• Main Transit System: Los Angeles Metro – Includes buses and Metro Rail (light rail & subway).
• Payment Method: Use a TAP card for all Metro services.
• Apps for Route Planning: Transit App, Moovit, LA Metro App.

3. Chicago

• Main Transit System: Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) – Includes buses and “L” trains.
• Payment Method: Ventra Card or contactless payment.
• Apps for Route Planning: Google Maps, CTA Transit Tracker.

4. San Francisco (Bay Area)

• Main Transit Systems:
  • BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) – Regional subway system.
  • Muni – San Francisco’s local buses and streetcars.
• Payment Method: Clipper Card for all transit services.
• Apps for Route Planning: Transit App, BART Official App.

5. Washington, D.C.

• Main Transit System: WMATA (Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority) – Includes Metro subway and Metrobus.
• Payment Method: SmarTrip Card or contactless payment.
• Apps for Route Planning: MetroHero, Moovit, Google Maps.

6. Denver

• Main Transit System: Regional Transportation District (RTD) – Operates light rail, buses, and commuter trains.
• Payment Method: Use the MyRide Card or mobile ticketing.
• Apps for Route Planning: RTD Mobile Tickets, Transit App.

7. Boston

• Main Transit System: MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority) – Includes subway (The “T”), buses, and commuter rail.
• Payment Method: CharlieCard or mobile payments.
• Apps for Route Planning: MBTA Trip Planner, Transit App.

Popular Transportation Companies and Route Planning Apps

National and Local Transportation Companies

• Greyhound – Intercity bus travel.
• Amtrak – Long-distance train travel across the U.S.
• Megabus – Affordable intercity bus service.
• BoltBus – Low-cost bus travel.
• FlixBus – Budget-friendly bus service.

Best Route Planning Apps

• Google Maps – Comprehensive transit directions for all cities.
• Moovit – Real-time public transit navigation.
• Transit App – Live departure times and transit updates.
• Citymapper – Ideal for urban transit routes.

Public transportation in the U.S. varies by city, but using route planning apps and understanding fare payment methods can make travel easier and more affordable.