Urban Transit Ridership There are over 100 transit agencies providing transportation services in California. The NTD tracks the number of passengers that board public transit vehicles each year.

While California is famous for its car-centric highway culture, it actually boasts a vast and diverse public transportation network that connects its major cities and rural areas. In Northern California, the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) and MUNI systems serve San Francisco and the East Bay, while Caltrain links San Francisco to Silicon Valley. In Southern California, the LA Metro has undergone a massive expansion in recent years, offering an extensive web of subways and light rail that reaches from Santa Monica to East LA. For intercity travel, the Pacific Surfliner is a scenic Amtrak route running along the coast from San Diego to San Luis Obispo, and the San Joaquins line serves the Central Valley. Additionally, the California High-Speed Rail project is currently under construction, aiming to eventually connect the state's northern and southern hubs. Buses also play a critical role, with regional systems like AC Transit and long-distance carriers like Greyhound and FlixBus. While coverage in rural areas can be sparse, California's urban centers are increasingly navigable without a car, supported by integrated apps and "Clipper" or "TAP" cards that work across multiple transit agencies.