SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — If you’ve felt like you’re losing time on your commute, an international study suggests you’re not wrong but it’s not nearly as bad as larger cities in the United States.
Global transportation analysts with INRIX say Salt Lakers lose 23 hours in congested traffic per year. The day lost is a far cry from New York, where New Yorkers lose 101 hours – or about four days – in congested traffic.
In fact, Salt Lake City could be considered a dream for commuters when compared to elsewhere in the world.
The Beehive State capital ranked 338th in the world for the worst commute and the 52nd least congested in the United States. It’s no surprise New York City topped the charts for the worst commute followed by the likes of Mexico City, London, and Paris.
According to INRIX, traffic congestion is beginning to return to the pre-pandemic levels. In Salt Lake City, speeds would only reach an average of 37 miles per hour during peak drive times in 2019. By 2022, speeds increased to 41 miles per hour only to fall back down to 39 miles per hour in 2023.
This level of congestion is taking a toll on drivers, not only in lost time but in cost as well. INRIX estimates Utah drivers lose $401 in fuel and time lost while getting stuck in traffic congestion.
INRIX also found that midday travel is the new “rush hour.” Data from the study found more drivers are on the roads between noon and 4 p.m., compared to the 6 a.m. peak before the pandemic.
