United States Transportation Guide: Public Transit, Apps, Flights, and Accessibility

Transportation in United States

• Public Transport: Major cities operate extensive metro/subway systems (e.g., New York City Subway, Washington Metro, Chicago ‘L’), city buses, and some light rail or tram lines (e.g., San Francisco Muni, Portland MAX). Ferries are available in cities like New York and Seattle.
• Key Transportation Apps: Uber and Lyft are widely available for ride-hailing. Local transit apps include Transit, Moovit, and city-specific apps (e.g., MTA eTix for New York).
• Internal Flights: Domestic air travel is common for long distances. Major airlines include American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. Main hubs: Atlanta (ATL), Chicago O’Hare (ORD), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Los Angeles (LAX).
• Intercity Trains and Buses: Amtrak operates national rail routes (e.g., Northeast Corridor: Boston–New York–Washington, DC). Major bus companies: Greyhound, Megabus, FlixBus.
• Taxi and Ride-Hailing: Taxis are metered and available in most cities. Ride-hailing fares are app-based and vary by demand and location.
• Car Rental and Driving: Major rental companies (e.g., Hertz, Enterprise, Avis) require a valid driver’s license; an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for non-English licenses.
• Airport Transfers: Options include airport shuttles, public transit, taxis, and ride-hailing. Availability varies by city.
• Accessibility: Most public transport systems offer wheelchair access and services for travelers with disabilities. Check local transit authority websites for details.
• Unique Local Transport: San Francisco operates historic cable cars. No tuk-tuks or rickshaws in major US cities.
• Safety, Reliability, Payment: Public transport is generally safe and reliable. Payment methods include contactless cards, mobile apps, and cash (varies by system).