Traffic congestion continues to be a pressing issue in urban cities globally, impacting daily commute times, economic productivity, and overall quality of life. In 2024, there were some cities that were most troubled by traffic and others that employed effective solutions to reduce congestion.
Worst Cities for Traffic in 2024:
The INRIX 2024 Global Traffic Scorecard listed several U.S. cities among the globe’s most congested:
1. New York City, NY: Motorists lost an average of 102 hours to traffic congestion in 2024, making it one of the most congested cities in the U.S.
2. Chicago, IL: Similar to New York, Chicago drivers also lost 102 hours to traffic congestion.
3. Los Angeles, CA: Los Angeles motorists saw 88 hours of lost time in traffic congestion.
4. Boston, MA: Despite a 10% decrease in delay, Boston ranked among the top congested cities, with motorists losing 79 hours in traffic.
5. Philadelphia, PA: Drivers in Philadelphia lost 77 hours to congestion in 2024.
Best Cities for Traffic in 2024:
While congestion was widespread in most cities, others had good solutions to improve traffic flow:
1. Raleigh, NC: The best U.S. city for drivers, Raleigh achieved a high overall ranking by balancing the cost of ownership, traffic infrastructure, safety, and vehicle and maintenance access.
2. Boise, ID: Boise ranked second due to its good traffic management and infrastructure, resulting in smoother drives.
3. Corpus Christi, TX: This ranked third in accordance with its efficient traffic network and comparatively low congestion rates.
So what are these cities doing that the worst cities for traffic congestion aren’t?
Cities need to be able to adapt to accommodate growing populations. It starts with the proper design of road highways and bypasses, which allow commuters to avoid heavy traffic and congested areas.
Having properly timed traffic lights, or even AI-powered traffic lights that monitor traffic in real-time, helps improve the flow of traffic. Smart infrastructure planning is an essential first step in improving traffic conditions and avoiding bottlenecks.
Some major cities like Los Angeles and Houston have massively underfunded and inefficient public transportation systems, which makes driving the best option for most people.
Having effective and efficient public transportation at an affordable cost can reduce commuters’ reliance on cars. Cities like Minneapolis, Portland, and Denver have invested heavily in train and bus transit systems, therefore reducing the congestion on the roadways.
Some cities offer an app that allows commuters to track the schedules of these public transportation systems to improve reliability and reduce wait times.
In addition to public transportation, many people choose to ride their bikes or walk to work. It’s advantageous for a city to expand bike lanes and pedestrian areas to reduce traffic congestion.
Check out this case study from the USDOT regarding traffic calming methods: https://highways.dot.gov/safety/speed-management/traffic-calming-eprimer/module-8-traffic-calming-case-studies?utm_source
What are effects of traffic congestion on your overall health and wellbeing:
1. Lost Time & Lost Productivity
Lost time spent driving around in traffic means lost productivity. The average American commuter loses over 50 hours a year due to traffic jams. In Chicago and New York, that’s even more—over 100 hours per year wasted just sitting in traffic.
For employees, it all adds up to:
Fewer hours of family and friends at home.
Less productivity since long commutes rob workers of their energy and focus.
Slowed business operations, as deliveries and appointments take longer.
Real Impact:
Studies show that cities with extreme congestion lose billions of dollars in economic losses from lost work hours and slowed goods transportation.
2. Increased Stress & Health Issues
Traffic congestion is not just infuriating—it’s also unhealthy. Sitting in stop-and-go traffic for long periods of time leads to:
Higher stress and anxiety levels due to uncertainty and frustration.
Increased risk of heart disease and high blood pressure due to long-term exposure to stress hormones.
Less mental well-being, with irritability and depression.
Real Effect:
Scientists have proven that car drivers who spend long, stressful distances traveling predict a higher incidence of unhappy times and sleep more disturbed, cutting into their overall quality of life.
3. Higher Cost of Transport
Spending time standing in traffic isn’t just frustrating—it’s cash-wasting too. Stop-and-go traffic causes:
Increased fuel consumption, which translates to higher gas bills.
Increased car maintenance expenses, as braking, idling, and acceleration wear out cars faster.
Real Impact:
Drivers in heavily populated cities pay hundreds of extra dollars a year in fuel alone, let alone repairs due to excessive wear and tear on their vehicles.
4. Environmental Impacts
More idling cars = more pollution. Congestion leads to:
Increased carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, which contribute to climate change.
Poor air quality, causing respiratory issues like asthma.
More noise pollution, causing more stress in urban areas.
Real Impact:
A link has been proven by research between more traffic congestion and more asthma cases in polluted cities.
5. Poorer Quality of Life
A long trip takes away the time people could have used for recreational activities, rest, or socializing. Over time, this leads to:
Less time spent with family and personal life.
Less happiness and work-life balance.
More sedentary lifestyles, as people spend more time sitting in cars instead of walking or biking.
Real Impact:
Daily drives by long-distance commuters are less likely to engage in social activities, which make them feel more lonely and dissatisfied with life.
6. Economic Impact on Cities
Congestion isn’t just bad for individuals—it also hurts the economy. When traffic is congested, businesses lose out:
Slower deliveries, increasing costs for companies.
Increased shipping costs, which are subsequently transferred to consumers.
Fewer customers, as locals avoid crowded areas.
Real Impact:
Large cities lose billions of dollars each year because of slowdowns due to congestion.
7. Increased Accident Rates
Congested roads lead to:
- Increased fender-benders and rear-end collisions.
- Increased road rage, as people let frustration get the best of them.
- Increased response times for emergencies, slowing down ambulances, fire trucks, and police.
Real Impact:
Traffic congestion also has a direct correlation with increased accident rates, which render the roads more risky for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
To read more about how transportation infrastructure, congestion, and reliability affects your mental health and well-being, check out this case study: https://www.sciencedirect.com/org/science/article/pii/S0144164723000314
City traffic congestion continues to be a pressing issue in many U.S. cities, with New York City and Chicago leading in hours lost to traffic in 2024. However, cities like Raleigh and Boise exemplify how effective traffic management and infrastructure planning can lead to smoother commutes and improved quality of life. By examining successful case studies and implementing targeted strategies, urban areas can work towards alleviating congestion and enhancing mobility for their residents.
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