New York Traffic Conditions Have Hit An All-Time Low

By Etta Bowen


In a fast moving world where everyone strives to do things bigger, faster and better, there is no place for time-consuming traffic jams. The irony is that road congestions are a direct result of this shared goals of millions of people who flock to big cities in search of a more affluent lifestyle. This has become a growing worldwide problem, especially in large cities. New York traffic conditions have hit an all-time low and earned the dubious reputation as being one of the five worst traffic cities in the USA.

This dubious achievement does not come as a shock. Americans have felt the impact of an ever-increasing number of vehicles on the roads on various levels during the past decade - on their pockets, stress-levels and time management. Routes to work and back that used to take them a mere 20 minutes, now take almost an hour.

The latest statistics put New York City at number five on the Top Ten List for worst traffic conditions in the USA. According to the report, New York commuters now waste 20% more time being stuck in traffic than before - an average of 53 hours per year! The loss in productive time is not the only factor to consider. Road rage incidents are reaching epidemic proportions across the world and are contributing to the already alarming death toll rate due to road accidents.

According to the latest reports based on the acclaimed INRIX Traffic Scorecard, there has been a 20 percent increase in the average travelling time of New Yorkers due to over-crowded roads. This data, gathered from various sources and statistics, is considered to be the most accurate and reliable indicator of traffic conditions in metropolitan cities in the United States. Los Angeles, Honolulu, San Francisco and Austin topped the list, with commuters of the City of Angels now losing a whopping 64 hours per year due to combusted roads.

Most people know the frustration and feeling of helplessness one experiences when one is in a hurry and suddenly forced to a crawling pace or standstill when the road is blocked due to an accident or construction work. If this frustration and stress become part of one's daily routine, it inevitably leads to so-called modern illnesses like cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes and heart problems.

Attempts to motivate commuters to travel in groups or via public transport and to use alternative, less congested routes, are mostly futile due to a lack of compensation or proper motivation. Most people prefer to travel with his/her own car via the shortest routes to save time and petrol. It seems that law enforced tolling systems whereby commuters are forced to pay for less congested roads are the only workable and sustainable solution at this stage.

There are, however, various pro's and cons to any tolling system. The fairness of the tariffs for specific demographic groups and vehicles, as well as the way in which the revenue will be spent, are some of the most crucial issues to consider. Especially in New York, commuters will be skeptical and unwilling to accept another tolling system so soon after the spectacular collapse of a previous one.

Public campaigns in favor of more fair tolling plans to address the over-populated New York roads are met with skepticism and antagonism following a previous pricing plan that failed badly, but thus far it seems to be the only option. This system of charging fees to reduce traffic congestion has proved to be workable in cities such as Singapore, London and Stockholm, but public opinion in New York will have to change drastically before it can be introduced there.




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