Introduction
I often hear about how political figures fight over distinctions and records worldwide. They try so hard to get or avoid these distinctions and the stereotypes they create. For example, they try to improve their GDP, decrease emissions, or reduce homelessness and poverty. But I like to look at the base. What is causing these positive or negative impacts? When people and politicians look at the top and rank it there, we should also look at the bottom and rank those. One of those things at the bottom is public transit.
One challenge in examining the ‘bottom’ is that these factors are often interconnected, leading to a complex web of impacts. Take public transportation, for instance. The key factors include ridership, efficiency, the number of movers (buses, train cars, heavy rail cars, etc.), and the number of people moved, among others. These factors are then ranked based on the city with the highest average in each category, providing a comprehensive view.
This list is one of three: transit systems in North America and one in the World. So, without further ado, here is the list:
1. New York
They cleaned up the subways.
2. San Francisco
The city of trolleys and hills.
3. Chicago
It’s actually pretty good. I used it to get around the city without a car for a week and another week a couple of years later.
4. Vancouver
Often voted the most livable city in the world. (Why isn’t it Leiden?)
5. Washington, D.C.
Really?
6. Montreal
They learned from their ancestors in Paris.
7. Boston
Of course.
8. Toronto
The old capital of Canada and one of the most beautiful cities.
9. Los Angeles
Why is it one here? It’s the city of cars.
10. Atlanta
I can’t believe it. Were actually on the list!
11. Houston
Texas?
12. Dallas
Texas again?
13. Mexico City
The only city that is not Canadian or American. I thought it was supposed to be good.
