Traffic Report: A Detailed Analysis of the USA's Congestion Epidemic

This article outlines some of the key findings of the most recent 2007 Urban Mobility Report on congestion in the U.S. It is getting worse in most cities, according to the data, which is compiled annually by the Texas Transportation Institute. Some facts from the new edition include the fact that congestion caused urban Americans to travel 4.2 billion hours more and to consume 2.9 billion gallons of additional fuel. Solutions to congestion will require agencies, businesses, and commuters to work together to resolve the problem. A figure shows the major findings from 437 urban areas. Some of the results have changed as a result of changes in methodology. A major new aspect is that congestion is estimated in all urban areas rather than 85 regions, as in previous years. Congestion levels vary according to a metropolis' size, with the most active economic regions experiencing the most congestion. Another element of congestion is the planning time index, which focuses on the various buffer times needed for important trips. A series of techniques to improve productivity of existing roads is outlined, including four operational treatments shown to have relieved a total of 257 million hours of delay. Options to driving including public transit are another element in the mix.