New US Metro Volumes
Compared to
Freeway and Arterial Lanes

It is often claimed that a single metro (heavy rail) line can carry the same volume as up to six freeway lanes. While this is theoretically true, new US metros do not achieve volumes that approach such a level (Figures #1 and #2).⁽¹⁾

• On average new US metros carry approximately 60 percent less than a single freeway lane couplet (2 lanes of freeway, one operating in each direction).
  
  

• Washington has the highest metro volume, at 29 percent below a freeway lane couplet. Atlanta follows with 39 percent below.
  
  

• Los Angeles has the lowest metro volume at 83 percent below a freeway lane couplet.

New metro volumes are marginally higher than the average two way arterial (major surface street) lane couplet (Figure #3).

• On average new US metros carry three percent more volume than a single arterial lane couplet (2 lanes, one operating in each direction).
  
  

• Atlanta has the highest metro volume, at 57 percent above an arterial lane couplet. Washington follows with 53 percent above.
  
  

• Los Angeles has the lowest metro volume at 41 percent below an arterial lane couplet. Baltimore is 40 percent below and Miami is 23 percent below.

1. Freeway lane volume based upon FHWA data at the national average occupancy rate of 1.61. Rail volume estimated at annual passenger mile volume divided by 300, which generally reflects the average daily usage compared to annual usage.