New US Commuter Rail Volumes
Compared to
Freeway and Arterial Lanes
It is often claimed that a single commuter rail line can carry more passenger same volume tha a
couplet of freeway lanes (one lane in each direction). While this is theoretically true, new US
commuter rail lines do not achieve volumes that remotely approach such a level.
- On average new US commuter rail lines carry less than 95 percent less volume than a
single freeway lane couplet (2 lanes of freeway, one operating in each direction).
- Miami has the highest commuter rail volume, at 92 percent below a freeway lane couplet.
- Los Angeles has the lowest commuter rail volume at 97 percent less than a freeway lane
couplet.
Commuter rail volumes are also lower than the average two way arterial (major surface street
with traffic signals) lane couplet.
- On average new US commuter rail lines carry 88 percent less volume than a single
arterial lane couplet (2 lanes, one operating in each direction).
- Miami has the highest commuter rail volume, at 81 percent below that of an arterial lane
couplet. St. Louis follows at 26 percent below.
- Los Angeles has the lowest commuter rail volume, at 90 percent below an arterial lane
couplet.
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