Photo: WBZ NewsRadio Archive
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — A new study finds that Americans are spending more time stuck in traffic than ever before.
According to Texas A&M Transportation Institute's latest Urban Mobility Report, traffic congestion reached unprecedented levels in 2024 with the average American losing 63 hours per year sitting in traffic when trying to get to their destinations. Bostonians understand the issue all too well.
"It takes me like an hour and a half, hour and 40 minutes to get home. Ridiculous," one resident stated. "Working eight hours a day, hard on your feet. You just want to get home and relax as soon as you can. But an hour and a half when it usually takes you 15 minutes and it's insane. Makes no sense."
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Data from the report also showed that congestion costs increased by 16% since 2020, reaching $269 billion annually. While traffic was contained to certain day parts during the week, the congestion has slowly transitioned into a daily ongoing issue experienced seven days a week.
"Traffic is brutal. Traffic is insane. Even on the weekends, you can't seem to find a very good window," another resident said.
The report revealed that congestion is usually tied to areas that are experiencing rapid growth. The population in Massachusetts rose by nearly 70,000 last year, making the Bay State the fastest-growing state in New England and the second fastest-growing state in the Northeast. Drivers can feel the impact of the additional travelers.
"I'm usually a traffic almost two hours. It depends on where I'm going. It's like running through a maze," one local said.
WBZ NewsRadio’s Chris Fama (CFamaWBZ) reports.