A new map shows the states with the highest public transportation usage, based on data from US News and World Report.

The media company calculated the average number of miles a resident travels annually on public transit to determine which states use trains, streetcars, buses and subways the most to get from point A to point B. The metric was part of a broader ranking of U.S. states based on 71 criteria to determine the best state.

New York leads the nation in public transportation usage. The city’s extensive subway and bus systems are among the busiest in the world, carrying millions of passengers every day.

Vermont follows closely behind as the state with the second highest use of public transportation. The state has made significant investments in its transportation systems, including public transportation that is accessible in rural areas and sustainable transportation. This commitment has made Vermont a leader in this area, reflected in its top ranking in this category.

Hawaii ranked third in public transportation use. Although Hawaii is a relatively small state and its population is scattered across several islands, it has a robust public transportation system, particularly in Honolulu. The city’s bus system, TheBus, is frequently praised for its efficiency and coverage and provides an important service to residents.

New Jersey and Illinois are the top five states with the highest use of public transportation. New Jersey benefits from its proximity to New York City, as many residents commute to the Big Apple via public transportation. The state’s light rail and bus systems also contribute to the high use of public transportation.

Illinois has a dense public transportation network around Chicago, where the L rail system and buses are important parts of the city’s transportation infrastructure.

These countries show that high use of public transport is often linked to the availability and accessibility of well-developed public transport systems.

States with robust public transit systems, particularly in urban areas, tend to score higher on this metric, reflecting the importance of public transit in reducing traffic congestion, promoting sustainability, and supporting residents’ mobility.

In contrast, countries with a lower rating for public transport use often have less developed transport networks, particularly in rural areas where access to public transport is limited.

This highlights the ongoing challenges in providing equitable transportation options across the country and the importance of continued investment in public transportation infrastructure to improve accessibility for all residents.

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