List of United States light rail systems explained

See also: List of North American light rail systems by ridership and List of United States rapid transit systems. The following is a list of all light rail systems in the United States, ranked by ridership. Also included are some of the urban streetcar/trolley systems that provide regular public transit service (operating year-round and at least five days/week), ones with data available from the American Public Transportation Association's (APTA) Ridership Reports. This list does not include statistics for metro/rapid transit systems (see: the List of United States rapid transit systems by ridership for those). Daily and annual ridership figures are based on "average weekday unlinked passenger trips" (where transfers between lines are counted as two separate passenger "boardings" or "trips"). References with supplementary (non-APTA) ridership figures are included in the System column.

List

	System	Largest city served	Annual ridership	data-sort-type="number"	Avg. ridership	data-sort-type="number"	System length	Avg. boardings per mile	Year opened	data-sort-type="number"	Stations	data-sort-type="number"	Lines	Year last expanded
1	San Diego Trolley (incl. Silver Line^[1])	San Diego			^[2]		1981	62	4	2021
2	Metro Rail light rail: A, C, E, & K lines	Los Angeles			^[3]		1990	88	4	2023
3	MBTA light rail: Green Line & Ashmont–Mattapan High Speed Line	Boston			^[4]		1897^[5]	74	5	2022
4	Link (incl. T Line)	Seattle			^[6]		2009	31	3	2024^[7]
5	Muni Metro^[8] (incl. E Embarcadero & F Market^[9] ^[10])	San Francisco			^[11]		1912^[12]	152	9	2022^[13]
6	MAX Light Rail	Portland					1986	97	5	2015
7	DART	Dallas			^[14]		1996^[15]	64	4^[16]	2016
8	NJ Transit Hudson–Bergen Light Rail, Newark Light Rail, River LINE,^[17]	Jersey City, Newark, Camden-Trenton					1935	24^[18]	3	2011
9	METRO Light Rail	Minneapolis-St. Paul			^[19] ^[20]		2004	37	2	2014
10	METRORail	Houston			^[21]		2004^[22]	44	3	2017
11	SEPTA Metro light rail:^[23] Subway–Surface Trolleys (T), Route 15 Trolley (G), & Media–Sharon Hill Line (D)	Philadelphia			^[24] ^[25]		1906	>100	8	2005
12	Denver RTD D, E, H, R, L, & W Lines	Denver			^[26]		1994^[27]	62	8	2019^[28]
13	TRAX (UTA) and S Line	Salt Lake City			^[29] ^[30]		1999^[31]	57^[32]	4	2013
14	Valley Metro Rail^[33]	Phoenix			^[34]		2008^[35]	41^[36]	1	2024
15	MetroLink	St. Louis			^[37]		1993^[38]	37	2^[39]	2006^[40]
16	SacRT light rail	Sacramento			^[41]		1987	53	3	2015
17	Charlotte Area Transit System Blue and Gold Lines	Charlotte			^[42] ^[43]		2007^[44]	43	2	2021^[45]
18	VTA light rail	San Jose			^[46]		1987	62	3	2005
19	RTA Streetcars in New Orleans	New Orleans			^[47]		1835	n/a	5	2018^[48]
20	Baltimore Light RailLink	Baltimore			^[49]		1992	33	3	1997
21	The T: Pittsburgh Light Rail	Pittsburgh			^[50]		1984	53	3	2012
22	Portland Streetcar	Portland	2,849,190^[51]	7,806	^[52]	834	2001	76	3	2015^[53]
23	Buffalo Metro Rail	Buffalo					1984	14^[54]	1	1986
24	KC Streetcar	Kansas City	1,832,215^[55]	5,020^[56]		2,281	2016	16^[57]	1	2016
25	Sun Link	Tucson			^[58]		2014	22	1	—
26	SPRINTER^[59]	Oceanside			^[60]		2008	15	1	—
27	Seattle Streetcar	Seattle					2007	21	2	2016
28	TECO Line Streetcar	Tampa	1,156,800	3,169		1,173	2002	11	1	2010
29	Q-Line	Detroit	896,900^[61]	2,460		745	2017	20	1	—
30	Cincinnati Connector^[62]	Cincinnati	846,622^[63]	2,320	^[64]	644	2016^[65]	18	1	—
31	Tide Light Rail	Norfolk			^[66]		2011^[67]	11	1	—
32	DC Streetcar	Washington, D.C.					2016	8	1	—
33	Dallas Streetcar	Dallas	701,904^[68]	1,923		784	2015	6	1	2016
34	RTA Rapid Transit Blue, Green, and Waterfront Lines	Cleveland			^[69]		1913^[70]	34	2	1996
35	The Hop	Milwaukee	453,269	1,241		636	2018	10	1	—
36	MATA Trolley	Memphis				400	1993	11^[71]	1	2004
37	Atlanta Streetcar	Atlanta					2014	12	1	—
38	El Paso Streetcar	El Paso	65,400	400		62	2018	27^[72]	2	—

Systems excluded from ridership table

The following light rail systems have been excluded from the ridership table above:

System	Largest city served	Opened	Route length	Reason(s) for exclusion from Ridership table
San Francisco cable car system	San Francisco, CA	1873		APTA does not provide ridership figures for this system.
Lowell National Historical Park Trolley System	Lowell, MA	1984^[73]	^[74]	Primarily a tourist system (does not operate daily, year-round). APTA does not provide ridership figures.
Galveston Island Trolley	Galveston, TX	1988^[75]		Non-operational; suspended since September 2008 due to damage from Hurricane Ike.
Kenosha Streetcars	Kenosha, WI	2000^[76]		Primarily a tourist system. APTA does not provide ridership figures.
Metro Streetcar	Little Rock, AR	2004^[77]		Primarily a tourist system. APTA does not provide ridership figures.
River Street Streetcar	Savannah, GA	2009		Primarily a tourist system. APTA does not provide ridership figures.

See also

• Light rail in the United States
• Light rail
• List of North American light rail systems
• Light rail in North America
• Streetcars in North America
• List of tram and light rail transit systems
• List of rail transit systems in the United States
• List of United States rapid transit systems by ridership
• List of North American rapid transit systems by ridership
• List of Latin American rail transit systems by ridership
• List of United States commuter rail systems by ridership
• List of United States local bus agencies by ridership
• Public transportation

Notes and References

1. Web site: May 22, 2015 . Vintage Trolley . December 30, 2015 . San Diego Metropolitan Transit System.
2. Web site: November 2021 . About MTS . November 27, 2021 . San Diego Metropolitan Transit System.
3. Web site: February 22, 2023 . Metro – Facts at a Glance . January 17, 2019 . Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro).
4. Web site: 2007 . About the T – Financials – Appendix: Statistical Profile . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20160303223436/http://www.mbta.com/uploadedFiles/About_the_T/Financials/9_Appendix.pdf . March 3, 2016 . July 13, 2013 . . 103–104.
5. Web site: 2013 . MTBA – About the MTBA – History – The Rapid Transit Commission and the BERY . August 7, 2013 . Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.
6. Web site: March 2024 . 2024 . Service Maps Sound Transit . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240329113601/https://www.soundtransit.org/get-to-know-us/maps . March 29, 2024 . March 21, 2024 . Sound Transit . Sound Transit.
7. Web site: Light rail opens on the Eastside . April 28, 2024 . Sound Transit .
8. Web site: TEP Route Data & Proposed Changes . December 15, 2013 . San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA).
9. Web site: 2013 . F Market & Wharves | SFMTA . August 25, 2013 . San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency.
10. Web site: Rider Information – Market Street Railway . August 18, 2013 . Market Street Railway.
11. Web site: 2013 . Muni Metro Light Rail | SFMTA . June 30, 2013 . San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency.
12. Book: McKane . John . Inside Muni: The Properties and Operations of the Municipal Railway of San Francisco . Perles . Anthony . . 1982 . 978-0-916374-49-5 . Glendale, CA . 174.
13. Web site: fpadmin . January 25, 2013 . Central Subway Project . December 6, 2022 . SFMTA . en.
14. Web site: February 26, 2013 . Facts about Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) . July 23, 2013 . Dallas Area Rapid Transit.
15. Web site: 2015 . DART.org – DART History . January 12, 2015 . Dallas Area Rapid Transit.
16. Web site: 2013 . DART.org – DART Schedules . August 25, 2013 . Dallas Area Rapid Transit.
17. Web site: NJ TRANSIT Annual Report . April 4, 2020 . New Jersey Transit.
18. Web site: March 2013 . Hudson-Bergen – Light Rail . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20151009121734/http://www.njtransit.com/pdf/bus/T0100.pdf . October 9, 2015 . July 14, 2013 . NJ Transit.
19. Web site: 2013 . METRO Blue Line – Facts About Trains and Construction . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140214014738/http://www.metrotransit.org/facts-about-trains-and-construction.aspx . February 14, 2014 . June 15, 2014 . Metro Transit.
20. Web site: June 14, 2014 . Metro Green Line Fact Sheet . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140612212020/http://metrocouncil.org/Transportation/Projects/Current-Projects/Central-Corridor/Publications-And-Resources/Miscellaneous-Documents/Metro-Green-Line-Fact-Sheet.aspx . June 12, 2014 . June 15, 2014 . Metropolitan Council.
21. Web site: October 7, 2015 . METRORail . August 11, 2015 . Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas.
22. Web site: 2014 . Houston Facts 2014 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20150924091117/http://www.ridemetro.org/InsideTrack/072814_HoustonFacts.pdf . September 24, 2015 . August 11, 2015 . METRO.
23. Web site: SEPTA – Trolley Lines . June 28, 2013 . Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority.
24. Web site: 2012 . SEPTA – Spring 2012 Route Statistics . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20130524014002/http://www.septa.org/reports/pdf/route-statistics.pdf . May 24, 2013 . June 28, 2013 . Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority.
25. Web site: 2013 . SEPTA – Media Guide . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20180417143227/http://www.septa.org/media/guide/pdf/media-guide.pdf . April 17, 2018 . July 17, 2013 . Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority.
26. Web site: February 2017 . RTD – Facts & Figures . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20150726204901/http://www.rtd-denver.com/factsAndFigures.shtml . July 26, 2015 . April 17, 2017 . Regional Transportation District.
27. Web site: January 2013 . RTD – Facts & Figures – Central Corridor Light Rail Line . July 23, 2013 . Regional Transportation District.
28. Web site: FasTracks Southeast Rail Extension . April 23, 2020 . Regional Transportation District.
29. Web site: Front Lines 2015 Map . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20131125161159/http://www.rideuta.com/uploads/FrontLines2015Map.pdf . November 25, 2013 . July 2, 2013 . Utah Transit Authority.
30. Web site: Vo-Duc . Viviane . September 5, 2013 . New streetcar S-line set to open Dec. 8 in Sugar House . deseretnews.com.
31. Web site: April 2013 . UTA History – Fact Sheet History 2012 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20130121151519/http://www.rideuta.com/uploads/FactSheet_History_2012new.pdf . January 21, 2013 . August 11, 2013 . Utah Transit Authority.
32. Web site: August 2022 . Rail and BRT Map . September 23, 2022 . Utah Transit Authority.
33. Web site: 2013 . Ridership Reports . December 1, 2013 . Valley Metro.
34. Web site: Light rail to reach eastern end of the line with opening of Mesa extension . August 6, 2019 . azcentral . en.
35. Web site: August 14, 2012 . Light Rail System 2011 Facts and Figures . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20130603024904/http://www.valleymetro.org/images/uploads/lightrail_publications/Light-Rail-System-Factsht_08-14-12.pdf . June 3, 2013 . July 15, 2013 . Valley Metro.
36. Web site: March 21, 2016 . Valley Metro Expands Safe Place . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20160401045037/http://www.valleymetro.org/pressreleases/detail/valley-metro-expands-safe-place1 . April 1, 2016 . March 29, 2016 . Valley Metro.
37. Web site: 2010 . Procurement Information . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20130818235916/http://metrostlouis.org/BusinessCommunity/Procurement/ProcurementInformation.aspx . August 18, 2013 . August 11, 2013 . Bi-State Development Agency (Metro).
38. Web site: 2010 . History – The 1990s – MetroLink . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20130823111730/http://metrostlouis.org/About/History/The1990s.aspx . August 23, 2013 . August 11, 2013 . Bi-State Development Agency (Metro).
39. Web site: Procurement Information . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20160328132512/https://www.metrostlouis.org/Libraries/System_Map_PDFs/Metrolink_Schematic_Map.pdf . March 28, 2016 . August 25, 2013 . Bi-State Development Agency (Metro).
40. Web site: 2010 . History – 2000 to Today – MetroLink . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20130823122145/http://metrostlouis.org/About/History/2000toToday.aspx . August 23, 2013 . August 25, 2013 . Bi-State Development Agency (Metro).
41. Web site: May 2016 . Sacramento Regional Transit District: Fact Sheet . June 22, 2016 . Sacramento Regional Transit District.
42. Web site: LYNX Home . August 7, 2013 . Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS).
43. Web site: LYNX Blue Line Extension Service Update . City of Charlotte Government.
44. Web site: November 28, 2012 . LYNX Blue Line Recognizes Ridership Success During Week of Five-Year Anniversary . August 7, 2013 . Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS).
45. News: Sheldon . Juliann . August 26, 2021 . CityLYNX Gold Line Streetcar to Open for Passenger Service on Aug. 30 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20210827203233/https://charlottenc.gov/newsroom/cityhighlights/Pages/Gold-Line-Opening.aspx . August 27, 2021 . December 1, 2021 . City of Charlotte.
46. Web site: November 14, 2012 . VTA Facts: Light Rail System Overview . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20130820152521/http://vta.org/news/factsheets/bus_lightrail_trolly_information/lightrail_overview.pdf . August 20, 2013 . June 30, 2013 . Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA).
47. Web site: 2016 . Agency Profile: New Orleans Regional Transit Authority . October 5, 2018 . National Transit Database.
48. News: RTA will open its Cemeteries Transit Center to streetcars this Sunday . October 5, 2018 . Curbed New Orleans.
49. Web site: Visitors Ride Guide . July 14, 2013 . . http://mta.maryland.gov/content/visitors.
50. Web site: 2013 . Port Authority of Allegheny County – Company Info & Projects – Agency Profile . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20130703091048/http://www.portauthority.org/paac/CompanyInfoProjects/AgencyProfile.aspx . July 3, 2013 . July 15, 2013 . Port Authority of Allegheny County (PAT).
51. Web site: Portland Streetcar Ridership Performance . April 4, 2020 . Portland Streetcar . PDF.
52. Web site: Maps + Schedules - Portland Streetcar . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240331175012/https://portlandstreetcar.org/schedules . March 31, 2024 . April 24, 2024 . Portland Streetcar . Portland Streetcar, Inc..
53. Web site: August 6, 2015 . Loop Service - Portland Streetcar . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20150806004043/http://www.portlandstreetcar.org/node/193 . August 6, 2015.
54. Web site: July 2, 2013 . Metro Rail 7 Day Timetable . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20131002214439/http://metro.nfta.com/Routes/ttpdf/45.pdf . October 2, 2013 . August 7, 2013 . NTFA-Metro.
55. Web site: December 2023 . Ride KC Streetcar Ridership and Performance December 2023 . January 25, 2024 . Ride KC Streetcar.
56. Web site: December 2023 . Ride KC Streetcar Ridership and Performance December 2023 . January 25, 2024 . Ride KC Streetcar.
57. Web site: The KC Streetcar - FAQs . December 8, 2017 . en-US.
58. Web site: Why do we need a streetcar? – The streetcar route . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20150907052000/http://www.sunlinkstreetcar.com/index.php?pg=24 . September 7, 2015 . April 2, 2015 . Sun Link Tucson Streetcar.
59. News: January 2013 . SPRINTER Fact Sheet . July 28, 2013 . North County Transit District.
60. Web site: 2013 . Nctd sprinter . June 30, 2013 . North County Transit District (San Diego).
61. Web site: June 28, 2023 . QLINE's limitations reflect regional transit failures holding back Detroiters . September 6, 2023 . Bridge Detroit.
62. Web site: 2016 . Cincinnati Connector . September 10, 2016 . City of Cincinnati.
63. Web site: Streetcar Ridership . September 6, 2023 . Cincinnati Bell Connector.
64. Web site: 2016 . Design & Route . September 10, 2016 . City of Cincinnati.
65. News: Coolidge . Sharon . September 9, 2016 . It's a go: Streetcar finally opens . September 10, 2016 . The Cincinnati Enquirer.
66. Web site: 2013 . The Tide – Hampton Roads Transit . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120616134732/http://www.gohrt.com/services/the-tide . June 16, 2012 . July 15, 2013 . Hampton Roads Transit.
67. Web site: Light Rail Service to Begin August 19, 2011 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140102224455/http://www.gohrt.com/light-rail-service-to-begin-august-19-2011/ . January 2, 2014 . August 10, 2013 . Hampton Roads Transit.
68. Web site: DART Scorecard . September 6, 2023 . Dallas Area Rapid Transit.
69. Web site: December 31, 2012 . 2012 Annual Report – Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority . July 21, 2013 . Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority.
70. Web site: 2012 . About RTA: History of Public Transit in Greater Cleveland . July 21, 2013 . Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority.
71. https://thehopmke.com/ridership/ The Hop MKE - Ridership
72. https://www.elpasotimes.com/story/news/local/2016/09/23/streetcar-work-remains-time-budget/90869508/ Streetcar work on time, budget
73. Web site: Lowell National Historical Park, Massachusetts : The Trolleys . January 6, 2023 . National Park Service . National Park Service (U.S. Department of the Interior).
74. Web site: U.S. Streetcar Systems- Massachusetts – Lowell . January 6, 2023 . Railway Preservation.
75. Web site: Island Transit Information . August 21, 2013 . Island Transit.
76. Web site: Streetcar Route Map . July 14, 2013 . Kenosha Streetcars Today . http://www.kenoshastreetcarsociety.org/today.
77. Web site: River Rail – Central Arkansas Transit Authority . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20130902085256/http://www.cat.org/river-rail . September 2, 2013 . August 18, 2013 . Central Arkansas Transit Authority (CATA).