New York Traffic Conditions Have Hit An All-Time Low
Road rage due to traffic jams is not a new phenomenon to New Yorkers. Commuters in the City Of Dreams now annually waste approximately 53 hours being stuck behind the wheel due to road congestion. Economic growth and prosperity also earned the Big Apple another distinction – that of being dubbed one of the worst traffic cities in America. New York traffic now ranks fifth on the Top Ten list for worst traffic in the USA.
According to the latest findings of a reputable traffic statistic scorecard, New York commuters now spend more time than ever stuck in traffic. Los Angeles ranked first in the Top Ten list for worst traffic cities, followed by Honolulu, San Francisco and Austin respectively with New York claiming the fifth position. New York City commuters now waste an average of 53 hours per year stuck in traffic jams – an increase of 20 percent in overall travel time.
Road pricing in the form of tolls has thus far only managed to increase the blood pressure and stress levels of commuters without any noticeable improvement of the underlying problem. Paying toll money to buy less combusted roads has only affected their wallets and caused commuters to take detours in order to avoid the tolls – causing even more frustration and time wastage.
In a world where time equals money, the wastage of productive time due to congested roads has huge financial implications. This leads to stress and frustration, which in turn trigger serious health problems. Road rage has become a common part of modern life and incidents where commuters kill, maim or attack each other over trivial issues are rife.
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.
Finding a workable and sustainable solution for over-crowded roads is not an easy feat. Many cities do not have the infrastructure for effective public transport. Many people also prefer to commute with their own car since it gives them more freedom regarding time schedules and running other errands which they cannot do without a car.
The fact that New York is not the only city affected by this problem does not make it easier. The opposite is more true – if a top world city like New York has no idea how to combat the problem, what hope is there for third world cities that do not have the money, means or expertise and where the population growth is ten times bigger than in first world countries?
However, to convince New York commuters of the long-term benefits of a fair tolling system might take years of serious and resourceful campaigning. In order to persuade the public to dip their hands into their pockets for using a specific road, the campaigners will have to come up with much more than empty promises. Only a solid, fair and sustainable tolling plan with tangible benefits for commuters might clinch the deal.
Filed under: Careers