The city with the most crowded roads in the world is located in the United States, and a recent analysis estimates that billions of dollars are lost due to traffic delays.
For the second year running, New York City topped the INRIX 2023 Global Traffic Scorecard as the city with the worst traffic.
Based on an analysis of free-flow and peak-speed data from the world’s busiest commuting routes, the research found that New York City drivers were 101 hours behind schedule due to cars piling up bumper to bumper, not going anywhere.
Urban traffic congestion spiked after COVID, which was a sign of reviving economic activity but cost drivers billions in wasted time.
Chicago came in second, living up to its nickname, The Second City.
The third and fourth are in Europe – London and Paris, respectively.
Mexico City rounds out the Top 5.
According to INRIX, drivers missed an average of 42 hours due to traffic congestion in 2023, costing the United States roughly $70.4 billion.
The survey indicated that during peak morning hours in 2023, journeys into downtown Manhattan climbed by 13% and that automobiles drove at a pace of 11 mph.
The rankings were announced following New York Governor Kathy Hocul’s abrupt cancellation of the congestion pricing plan for Manhattan, which had been intended to alleviate traffic congestion.
The system was planned for years, with the goal of raising billions to upgrade the city’s antiquated subways and reduce congestion and pollution in midtown.
Under the plan to access Manhattan below 60th Street, commuters in automobiles, SUVs, and pickup trucks would have been levied a $15 daily fee. Truck tolls would have been between $24 and $36 per vehicle. A $7.50 entry charge would also be imposed on motorcyclists.
Hocul postponed the idea indefinitely just before it was supposed to go into effect. She stated that it is not the proper moment to impose exorbitant charges on New Yorkers who are already trying to make ends meet.
