Public transportation is an eco-friendly way to travel, reducing your carbon emissions and the resources you consume as you move from place to place. However, public transportation infrastructure varies by state – and, in some cases, city and town. 

Below, we’ll share an overview of public transportation in Arizona and Illinois to help you understand which is more accessible. Whether you want to help the environment or do not drive, you’ll understand which can support your public transportation needs.

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Arizona and Illinois Public Transportation Overview

As you compare the Arizona and Illinois public transit systems, keep the following factors in mind. 

Number of Transit Systems 

Most states have several different transit systems that move within city limits and throughout the state. 

Arizona offers its residents a variety of transit options, including buses, trains, and streetcars. These services operate throughout the state, including the Valley Metro, Sun Tran, Yuma County Area Transit, and Amtrak lines.

Illinois has a more robust transit system that includes trains and buses. According to the Illinois Road and Transportation Builders Association, there are more than 58 different transit systems serving 96 of the state’s 102 counties. This includes Chicago’s famous El system, a series of elevated trains serving the downtown loop area and various neighborhoods across the city. 

Arizona has about half the residents as Illinois. They have fewer residents they need to move by public transportation, which is why they may have fewer lines. Illinois residents should have more access to direct public transit within Chicago and throughout the state. 

Safety

Thousands of accidents happen each year, including with public transportation buses and trains. The Arizona Department of Transportation reports an average of 687 bus accidents over the last five years, many of which included injuries and fatalities. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration shows similar bus accident statistics in Illinois. 

More passengers are taking public transportation in the Chicagoland area than in any other part of the state. This increases the odds of getting into an accident while on the CTA. Some may be minor, and you won’t even notice it, while others can have serious consequences, including injuries and even death. 

If you or your loved one have been in an accident on public transportation, contact a Chicago CTA accident lawyer. They can help you recover costs for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more. 

The amount of bus accidents is similar in both Arizona and Illinois. However, you may be more likely to get into an accident while riding the CTA in Chicago. If you do, you have rights. 

Crime 

Arizona and Illinois struggle with crime issues, especially around Chicago and Phoenix. Both states’ public transportation systems rank among the most dangerous in the United States, with Illinois slightly more dangerous than Phoenix.

However, those statistics can be misleading. They look at the number of crimes committed on public transportation as a whole, but if you dig deeper into the data, you will notice that most crime will be concentrated in select areas, which often have higher crime rates. If you avoid these areas, you will reduce your risk of becoming a crime victim. 

Taking public transportation in select areas can be dangerous in both locations. Both rank high for the number of crimes committed on public transit, but Illinois is considered more dangerous. You can protect yourself from becoming a victim by securing your personal belongings, not taking public transportation at night alone, and being aware of your surroundings.

Accessibility

Arizona and Illinois public transportation systems integrate accessibility features into their buses and trains. This can include lifts, ramps, priority seating, audio stop reminders, and more.  However, these often work better in theory than in practice. 

Arizona, especially Phoenix residents, is experiencing barriers in accessibility on public transportation. Those who are visually impaired face the biggest challenges. Buses announce the stop when you’re on them but not when they arrive, which can cause many to miss their bus if they aren’t careful. 

Illinois doesn’t face these same challenges. Automated announcements can be heard on and off the bus. In Chicago, the CTA is currently working on making all its rail stations accessible by 2050, installing lifts and other features to help those with varying abilities. 

Conclusion 

Despite their varying sizes, Illinois and Arizona public transport systems are similar. Illinois has more routes available, connecting nearly every county within the state. Illinois also offers its passengers more accessibility features, especially on the CTA. 

However, crime is also higher on Illinois public transportation, especially on select lines in Chicago. This can be a big concern for passengers, especially if they travel through less-than-ideal areas to reach their final destination.

Consider your transportation options and make decisions accordingly to help protect your safety. Arizona and Illinois can offer various public transportation options to connect you to where you need to be.