Transit system length is measured in directional route-miles. Directional route-miles is the distance in each direction over which public transportation vehicles travel while in revenue service. Directional route-miles are computed with regard to direction of service, but without regard to the number of traffic lanes or rail tracks existing in the right-of-way.
Directional route-mileage data for the commuter rail and light rail modes include purchased transportation.
Citation formats
Transit rail system mileage within the United States 2004-2023
In 2023, the commuter rail network constituted the largest length within the transit rail system mileage in the United States, amounted to statute miles. During the same year, the mileage of the light rail network in the U.S. amounted to statute miles.
Profit from the additional features of your individual account
Currently, you are using a shared account. To use individual functions (e.g., mark statistics as favourites, set
statistic alerts) please log in with your personal account.
If you are an admin, please authenticate by logging in again.
Learn more about how ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ can support your business.
U.S. Department of Transportation. (November 27, 2024). Transit rail system mileage within the United States from 2004 to 2023 [Graph]. In ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Retrieved July 21, 2026, from /statistics/197928/us-transit-rail-system-mileage-since-2004/
U.S. Department of Transportation. "Transit rail system mileage within the United States from 2004 to 2023." Chart. November 27, 2024. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Accessed July 21, 2026. /statistics/197928/us-transit-rail-system-mileage-since-2004/
U.S. Department of Transportation. (2024). Transit rail system mileage within the United States from 2004 to 2023. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc.. Accessed: July 21, 2026. /statistics/197928/us-transit-rail-system-mileage-since-2004/
U.S. Department of Transportation. "Transit Rail System Mileage within The United States from 2004 to 2023." ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc., 27 Nov 2024, /statistics/197928/us-transit-rail-system-mileage-since-2004/
U.S. Department of Transportation, Transit rail system mileage within the United States from 2004 to 2023 ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, /statistics/197928/us-transit-rail-system-mileage-since-2004/ (last visited July 21, 2026)
Transit rail system mileage within the United States from 2004 to 2023 [Graph], U.S. Department of Transportation, November 27, 2024. [Online]. Available: /statistics/197928/us-transit-rail-system-mileage-since-2004/
