Nice work here from long-time Transit Maps correspondent Matt Johnson as he visualises all existing and under construction light rail and streetcar systems in the USA in one graphic. In a way, this graphic is an update of this fantastic (but now out of date) one by Bill Rankin that shows the relative scales of all North American rail-based urban rapid transit (PDF link).

The sprawling nature of some of the light rail systems is readily apparent, reflecting the suburban nature of those cities. The relative largeness of my hometown Portland’s system surprises me, but I guess it does extend from Hillsboro all the way to Gresham! Streetcar systems tend to be much smaller, serving the central core of a city – some of them barely showing up at all at the scale of this graphic.

Check out the article that accompanies this graphic over at Greater Greater Washington for more details, and be sure to read the comments for some interesting thoughts from readers.

Source: Greater Greater Washington website, via an email from Matt.