Public Transportation
When thinking about public transportation, most people picture subways and buses. However, the US public transit system is more diverse than that. Depending on the city, students may use buses, subways, light rail, commuter trains, or even ferries to get around.
Large cities such as New York, Boston, and Washington, D.C. offer extensive subway systems that facilitate daily travel and keep fares affordable. In other cities, buses play a bigger role, often connecting to light rail or subway lines. Cities such as Portland, Denver, and San Diego rely on light rail for short- to medium-distance trips, while commuter trains link suburban areas to city centers, which is an especially convenient option for students living off campus.
In coastal cities like Seattle and San Francisco, ferries are even part of the public transit network. Costs and convenience vary widely, but in cities with strong systems, a monthly pass can often replace the need for a car. In smaller cities or suburbs, however, limited transit may make personal vehicles more practical.
According to US News, here are the 10 cities with the best public transportation systems:
- New York, New York
- San Francisco, California
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Jersey City, New Jersey
- Washington, D.C.
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Newark, New Jersey
- Chicago, Illinois
- Seattle, Washington
- Arlington, Virginia
If your city isn’t on this list, it would be helpful to research the specific transportation options available in your area to make an informed decision about whether you need a personal vehicle.
85% of Aralia Students Place in Top Writing Competitions
Personal Vehicles
Owning a car in the US offers flexibility and independence, especially in areas where there is limited public transportation. However, this option comes with high costs and responsibilities.
Cars provide the most freedom for getting around, particularly in suburban or rural areas where public transit is sparse. You can travel on your own schedule and explore places outside the city more easily. For students living off-campus or in areas far from their university, a car can be essential.
However, the costs of car ownership also include factoring in the purchase price, insurance, gas, maintenance, and parking. Insurance is required in all states, and rates can be high for young drivers or international students. Parking fees on campus or in cities can add up quickly. Before deciding to buy a car, estimate the total cost of ownership in your area and consider whether public transportation or other options might be a better fit to meet your needs.
Some students opt to buy used cars to save money, while others lease or finance new vehicles. These are available options to consider. But if you’re only staying for a limited amount of time, you might also consider car-sharing services instead of purchasing.
Bicycles and Scooters
Bicycles and electric scooters offer an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to get around places, especially in bike-friendly cities and on college campuses. They help students stay active and avoid traffic and parking hassles.
Many US cities have invested in bike lanes and bike-sharing programs, making cycling a practical option for daily commutes. College campuses are also often designed to be walkable and bike-friendly, with bike racks and paths throughout.
Electric scooters have become popular in many cities, with rental services like Lime and Bird available in urban areas. These are convenient for short trips but can be expensive for regular use. Some students bring their own scooters or e-bikes to campus.
The main limitation with the use of bicycles and scooters is the weather. In cities with harsh winters or frequent rain, they may not be practical year-round. Safety is also a significant consideration, especially in areas without dedicated bike lanes or heavy traffic.
Ride-Sharing Services
Services like Uber and Lyft are popular transportation options in most US cities. When public transit isn’t available or when you need to travel at odd hours, they offer a convenient way of moving from point A to B.
Ride-sharing services are especially useful for airport trips, late-night travel, or situations where you need to get somewhere quickly. The apps are easy to use and show the estimated cost of a trip before it is booked. Many students rely on these services occasionally rather than using them as their primary mode of transportation.
The main drawback is cost. Regular use of ride-sharing can easily pile up costs and could become expensive, especially for longer distances. It’s also less reliable than owning a car or using public transit, as prices can surge during high-demand periods.
Some students use ride-sharing services to supplement other transportation methods, reserving them only for situations where other options aren’t practical.
Walking
Walking is the simplest and most cost-effective way to explore a city, and it’s often more viable than many people might expect, especially in walkable cities and on college campuses.
Many college campuses are designed to be pedestrian-friendly. This is particularly helpful when dormitories, classrooms, dining halls, and libraries are built in close proximity. Living on or near campus means you might only need to walk for most daily activities.
Some cities, particularly older ones on the East Coast, have walkable downtown areas with shops, restaurants, and services within easy walking distance. However, in newer cities or suburban areas designed around cars, walking may only be practical for short distances.
Walking is a free, healthy, and environmentally friendly way to travel. However, like biking or using scooters, it has limitations, particularly when it comes to distance and weather. For longer trips or during extreme conditions, walking is often best combined with other forms of transportation.
Navigate the Path to College with Expert Guidance
Choosing the Right Transportation Method
Your transportation choices depend largely on where you live, your daily routine, and your budget. Before arriving, it’s strongly recommended to research your city’s public transportation system and determine whether subway lines, bus routes, or other options connect your housing to campus and the places you’ll visit regularly. Be sure to check monthly pass prices and whether student discounts are available.
Consider your daily routine and budget when weighing transportation options. If you’re living on campus and most of your activities are nearby, walking or biking might be sufficient. But if you’re living off-campus or would need to travel frequently, public transit or a car might be necessary.
To make an informed decision, compare the total cost of each option. For cars, this includes the purchase price, insurance, maintenance, and fuel. For public transportation, factor in monthly passes and occasional ride-sharing. Many cities offer discounted transit passes for students, which can significantly reduce expenses.
Think about your lifestyle needs. Is it flexibility that you need to travel on weekends or visit nearby cities? Will you be staying long in one place or moving every few months between locations? These factors will influence which, between a car, public transit, or a combination, would be the best option for you.
Aralia’s Comprehensive Classes
Navigating transportation is just one aspect of preparing for student life. Equally important is adapting to new learning environments, keeping up with coursework, and developing strong academic habits.
Our instructors support students in becoming college-ready through targeted courses such as Academic Writing, Research & Presentation Skills, Public Speaking, AP and honors subject support, and College Application Writing. At Aralia, we focus on helping students understand classroom expectations, strengthen communication skills, and manage academic responsibilities with confidence.
