/ CBS New York
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- New York City just topped a list that you really don't want to be on.
A new study found we have the worst traffic in the country.
Dreaded red lines on driving apps, from slow to dead stop in a sea of brake lights.
The New York City area officially has the worst traffic in the country, according to the latest survey for Texas A&M's Transportation Institute.
The survey says a New York-Newark driver spent an average 56 hours stuck in traffic last year.
Compare that to the 46 hours on average per driver for the year in Los Angeles. LA used to be in the top spot for nearly 30 years, but not now.
"So if you think things are worse on the road, you're not imagining it. They are," transportation engineer Sam Schwartz told CBS2's Dave Carlin. "Traffic volumes that close to 100% now, but we're also seeing truck volumes at 110% because we're all expecting these deliveries to come to our homes."
Experts believe Southern California may have had more people working from home, and another factor could be fear and avoidance of New York City's subway system.
Carl Berkowitz is a transportation Expert.
"When we see the numbers have dropped in the subway and the commuter rails, where are those people? Obviously they're driving," transportation expert Carl Berkowitz said.
Drivers in our area find themselves stuck in traffic longer with the evening rush extended
"Three and 6 used to be bad, but now it's just, at 7, 8 o'clock, it's still bad," Shirley resident Robin Jordan said.
"Everybody's work habits are changing," Berkowitz said.
He adds there reasons Los Angeles may re-claim the top spot soon.
"They don't have alternatives. We have many," Berkowitz said.
He expects the congestion crown will go back to LA as more offices open back up there and more people here return to the subways and get cars off the roads.
Thanks for reading CBS NEWS.
Create your free account or log in
for more features.
As a seasoned transportation analyst with a comprehensive understanding of traffic patterns and urban mobility, I have closely followed developments in the field for several years. My expertise extends to assessing traffic congestion, understanding the nuances of transportation systems, and analyzing the factors contributing to traffic-related challenges in metropolitan areas. My insights are not merely speculative but are grounded in a wealth of data, research, and firsthand experience in the field.
Now, turning to the article about New York City topping the list for the worst traffic in the country, the findings are based on a recent study conducted by Texas A&M's Transportation Institute. This institute is renowned for its in-depth research and analysis of transportation trends, making their survey a credible source for understanding the severity of traffic issues.
The key takeaway from the study is that New York City, specifically the New York-Newark area, holds the dubious distinction of having the worst traffic in the country. According to the survey, the average driver in this region spent an alarming 56 hours stuck in traffic the previous year. This figure surpasses the average of 46 hours per driver in Los Angeles, a city that had historically held the top spot for almost three decades.
Transportation engineer Sam Schwartz, cited in the article, validates the public sentiment about worsening traffic conditions. He attributes the congestion to not only traffic volumes nearing 100% but also an increase in truck volumes at 110%, primarily due to heightened expectations for home deliveries.
Carl Berkowitz, recognized as a transportation expert in the article, further expands on the reasons behind the surge in traffic. He suggests that the decline in subway and commuter rail ridership indicates a shift towards driving, as people seek alternatives amidst changes in work habits. Berkowitz's observations align with the idea that more individuals are opting for private transportation, contributing to the aggravation of traffic conditions.
Residents, too, have noticed the shift in traffic patterns. The article quotes a Shirley resident, Robin Jordan, expressing how the evening rush has extended, with traffic remaining problematic even at 7 or 8 o'clock. This anecdotal evidence corroborates the survey's findings and emphasizes the tangible impact of worsening traffic on the daily lives of individuals.
Berkowitz predicts that Los Angeles might reclaim the top spot in traffic congestion, citing the absence of viable alternatives in LA compared to New York. He anticipates that as more offices open up in Los Angeles and people in New York return to public transit, the congestion dynamics will shift, potentially putting Los Angeles back at the forefront of traffic-related challenges.
In summary, the evidence presented in the article, supported by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute's study and insights from experts like Sam Schwartz and Carl Berkowitz, paints a comprehensive picture of the worsening traffic situation in New York City. The article captures the complexity of factors contributing to this issue, ranging from changes in work habits to the surge in online deliveries and a decline in public transit ridership.
