Cities with the Worst Traffic in the US
The United States is one of the countries with the worst traffic in the world. The country is highly populated and there are many people who commute the city by cars. This makes traffic congestion worst during rush hours. Cities like Los Angeles and New York have the worst traffic in the U.S. There is an option to use buses, light rails, Subways and metros to commute in America.
We are going to list some of the cities with the worst traffic in the United States, when the congestion starts, and how to avoid traffic in the US.
Which City has the Worst Traffic in the US?
New York is the city with the worst traffic in the US. Traffic is worst on Friday's from 4 pm to 7 pm. There was a 35% increase in traffic congestion while the average travel time in the city increased by 5 minutes.
Cities with the Worst Traffic in the United States
The following are some of the US cities with the worst traffic and the amount of time lost in traffic.
1. New York
- Time lost: 80 hours
- Annual added cost per driver: $2,737
New York is the city with the worst traffic in the United States. It is also one of the most populous cities in the US. Traffic is worst from 6:30 am to 9:30 am and between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm. To avoid traffic in New York, you can use the New York subway which has 472 subway stations. However, it is usually more expensive during rush hours.
2. Los Angeles
- Time lost: 75 hours
- Annual added cost per driver: $2,600
Los Angeles is one of the cities with the worst traffic in America. LA is well known for its beaches, entertainment, and no wonder it is worst when it comes to traffic. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, it used to be the city with the worst traffic in the US. One of the best ways to commute and avoid traffic is to commute by Metro bus.
3. Boston, Massachusetts
- Time lost: 50 hours
- Annual added cost per driver: $2,272
Boston is also among the cities with the worst traffic in America. It is one of the oldest cities in America and it hosts Harvard University and many Museums. You can commute by commuter rail, ferry, or bus. The easiest and most convenient way to navigate through the city is by walking.
4. Chicago, Illinois
- Time lost: 74 hours
- Annual added cost per driver: $2,265
Chicago is a city with traffic congestion, even though it has a well-connected public transportation system. To avoid traffic in the city, make sure to travel before 5 am and leave the city before 2.30 pm.
5. San Francisco
- Time lost: 59 hours
- Annual added cost per driver: $1,908
San Francisco is another populous and congested city in America. Most of the people drive to work creating traffic congestion in the town. You can use Francisco’s Muni bus and light rail system to avoid huge traffic. Most rail systems use tunnels to avoid traffic.
Read also: Cities with the worst traffic in the world.
6. Seattle
- Time lost: 52 hours
- Annual added cost per driver: $1,400
Seattle is highly ranked for its public transportation, but still, it is among worst traffic cities in the US. It is the headquarter of many tech companies like Amazon and Microsoft. It is famous for Starbucks, Space Needle, and Pike Place Market. It has many transportation options like light rail, train, bus, and ferry networks. The city has a steady population growth.
7. Miami, Florida
- Time lost: 64 hours
- Annual added cost per driver: $1,227
Miami is among cities with worst traffic in US with almost 2.8 million daily commuters. This creates traffic congestion, especially during rush hours. It is a tourist destination city and no wonder there is much traffic. Traffic is heavy from 7 am to 9 am and from 4 pm to 7 pm. You can commute using Metrorail, Metromover, or Metrobus.
8. Washington D.C
- Time lost: 48 hours
- Annual added cost per driver: $1,541
Washington D.C one of the US cities with worst traffic. The city has many tourist attraction sites and one of the reasons why it has high traffic congestion. You can commute around the town using Metrobus. The town also has Student transportation for students. Traffic is usually high from 6 am to 9 am and from 4 pm to 7 pm.
9. Dallas, Texas
- Time lost: 44 hours
- Annual added cost per driver: $962
Dallas Texas is a busy city that hosts many tech startups. Consequently, there are many people commuting to and from work, hence creating traffic congestion. Traffic is high from 7 am to 9 am and from 3 pm to 7 pm.
10. Detroit, MI
- Time lost: 43 hours
- Annual added cost per driver: $1,062
Detroit, MI used to be a hub for the automotive industry. It is one of the US cities with worst traffic. Traffic begins from 6 am to 10 am and from 3 pm to 7 pm. The city has various transport systems like light rail, bike share, bus services, and trains. Light rail is the most convenient way to commute around the city.
Summary of US Cities with the Worst Traffic
The above are some of the US cities with the worst traffic. Traffic congestion causes high consumption of fuel, wastage of time, and environmental pollution. You can use the rail system to avoid traffic congestion and save time. Most of these cities have a rail system that passes through tunnels. However, rail costs are usually higher during rush hours.
