BURLINGTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--TomTom today released its 4th annual TomTom Traffic Index, recognized as the world’s most accurate barometer of traffic congestion in 186 cities across 6 continents. The 2014 study specifically analyzed the increased traffic patterns on non-highway secondary roads in the United States, with new results revealing that the common traffic shortcuts drivers take to avoid congestion are actually adding 50% more travel time to trips. The complete report including U.S. city specific data can be viewed at www.tomtom.com/TrafficIndex.
TomTom’s Traffic Index compares travel times during non-congested hours (free flow) with travel times in peak hours, and finds that commuters around the world are spending an average of 8 working days per year stuck in traffic. In the U.S., the study examines 53 metropolitan areas with a population of more than 800,000 and shows that Los Angeles, San Francisco and Honolulu remain the most congested U.S. cities.
Ranked by overall traffic levels, the TomTom Traffic Index reports that the top ten most congested U.S. cities in 2013 were:
1. Los Angeles (36%): Congestion increased two percent to highest levels seen in last five years
2. San Francisco (32%): Congestion increased from 2012
3. Honolulu (29%): Congestion decreased from 2012
4. Seattle (27%): Slight increase in congestion level
5. San Jose (26%): Slight increase in congestion level
6. New York (26%): New to top 10, increase in congestion
7. Miami (24%)
8. Washington, DC (24%)
9. Portland (22%)
10. New Orleans (22%)
Note: changes noted in 2013 rankings as compared to 2012 results
Additional highlights of the 2014 study include:
- Thursday evening commute is the worst peak congestion in most U.S. cities
- Kansas City and Indianapolis are the least congested cities featured in the study
- Severe weather was a significant cause behind some of 2013’s busiest traffic days across the U.S.
“Traffic congestion is nothing new and the traditional responses are no longer proving to be effective. Real time traffic information can help drivers find the quickest shortcut on their journey, and assist governments to make smarter decisions to improve traffic flow for their cities,” said Jocelyn Vigreux, President of TomTom, Inc.
The TomTom Traffic Index takes into account local roads and highways, going well beyond research and other studies that only evaluate traffic on main highways, or are subjective surveys of people’s perception of traffic congestion. The Traffic Index is based on detailed knowledge of the global road network and aims to help drivers, businesses and governments manage traffic congestion effectively. TomTom is the only company able to provide the depth of data based on the number of sensors supplying accurate information from around the world.
“TomTom’s global leadership in traffic insights helps us deliver products that directly impact commuters’ daily journeys,” said TomTom’s Head of Global Traffic Research, Nick Cohn. “Once drivers experience how TomTom can help them avoid traffic and get to their destination faster, we are confident they won't want to drive without TomTom ever again.”
TomTom’s complete Traffic Index, including individual city reports, can be found at www.tomtom.com/trafficindex
About TomTom
TomTom (TOM2) empowers movement. Every day millions of people around the world depend on TomTom to make smarter decisions. We design and develop innovative products that make it easy for people to keep moving towards their goals. Best known for being a global leader in navigation and mapping products, TomTom also creates GPS Sport Watches, as well as state-of-the-art fleet management solutions and industry leading location based products.
Our business consists of four customer facing business units: Consumer, Automotive, Licensing and Telematics.
Founded in 1991 and headquartered in Amsterdam, we have 3,600 employees worldwide and sell our products in over 35 countries.
