In recent findings that may not surprise many residents, Toronto holds the unfortunate title of being the worst city in North America for traffic congestion. The bustling Canadian metropolis has surpassed both New York and Mexico City in this dubious distinction, as per a new report by TomTom, the navigation and location technology company.
Ranking High on the Global Congestion Index
The annual traffic index released by TomTom on Thursday places Toronto in an unenviable position, with only London and Dublin suffering from worse traffic conditions. Within the context of the global index, Toronto’s commuters face the third most congested city in the world.
Commuting Delays in Toronto
It’s not just a title; the impact on daily life is measurable and significant. Toronto commuters now spend an average of 29 minutes completing just a 10-kilometre trip, adding nearly a minute more to their travel time compared to last year. For perspective, traveling the same distance in Dublin takes roughly 30 seconds longer, while Londoners spend a whopping 37 minutes and 20 seconds on their routes.
The Cost of Rush-Hour Traffic
The congestion doesn’t just eat into time; it represents a substantial loss in hours over a year. Toronto drivers lost an average of 98 hours in 2023 due to rush-hour traffic alone. This figure pales in comparison to the staggering 158 hours lost by Dubliners and 148 hours by Londoners annually, yet it remains a startling statistic for anyone hitting the road in Toronto.
The traffic index draws upon a vast amount of data, sourced from over 600 million in-car navigation systems and smartphones, ensuring a comprehensive overview of current traffic conditions.
Toronto’s Worst Day for Commuters
Certain days and times stood out in the report for being particularly troublesome. Notably, November 30 was marked as the grimmest day for Toronto drivers, with an average of 33 minutes to complete the typically 10-kilometre journey. The peak of inconvenience struck on Wednesdays between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., resulting in commutes that could extend to almost 38 minutes for the same distance.
Comparison with Other North American Cities
Looking at its North American counterparts, Toronto outstrips them all regarding the worst commute times. New York, the largest city in the U.S., sees drivers complete a 10-kilometre trip in just under 25 minutes — a full five minutes faster than those in Toronto.
When comparing Toronto to other major cities in Canada, the differences are stark. Vancouver, placed 32nd overall, boasts a commute time of about 23 minutes, while Montreal offers the best situation with a 19-minute travel time for the equivalent distance, earning it the 103rd rank.
Factors Contributing to Toronto’s Traffic Woes
Matti Siemiatycki, director of the Infrastructure Institute at the University of Toronto and a professor in the department of geography and planning, sheds light on the compounding factors leading to Toronto’s traffic problems.
“One is that we are doing construction everywhere all at once. That is creating localized gridlock. Then there is just the bigger issue. We have a series of highways that have no road tolls on them like in many other cities. That means that you have more people using them,” Siemiatycki commented to CP24.
He further emphasizes that traffic congestion in Toronto is an issue that extends beyond the downtown area, permeating the suburbs and highway interchanges.
“There is not a lot of alternatives. We missed a generation of building public transit, we don’t have enough cycle lanes, it is hard to walk in parts of our region and so people are dependent on their cars and this is the consequence that we have a huge amount of congestion and it is going to take a long time to dig ourselves out of it,” he elaborates.
The Long Road to Improvement
With the city’s dependence on cars due to a lack of alternative transportation options, resolving Toronto’s traffic congestion presents a long-term challenge. This involves not just short-term fixes but a comprehensive reevaluation of public transportation infrastructure, cycling lanes, and walkability across the region.
Toronto’s situation serves as a stark reminder of the implications of infrastructural decisions and urban planning. As we collectively navigate through the busiest streets and highways, the call for a future with better transportation options becomes not only a convenience but an essential need for sustainable urban living.
For those planning to move to or visit Toronto, this information may help set expectations regarding travel within the city. To stay updated on the latest traffic conditions or get more information on commuting alternatives, visit Toronto’s official transportation website ( City of Toronto’s Transportation Services) or TomTom’s Traffic Index page (TomTom Traffic Index) for real-time data and insights.
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Visa – A document issued by a country’s government that allows a person to enter and stay in the country for a specific purpose and duration.
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Permanent Residency – A status granted to individuals who are authorized to live and work indefinitely in a foreign country.
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So, there you have it – Toronto has officially earned the title of the worst city in North America for traffic congestion. Commuters spend an average of 29 minutes on just a 10-kilometer trip, losing a whopping 98 hours each year due to rush-hour traffic alone. With construction projects and a lack of toll roads, it’s no wonder Toronto has such congestion. But fear not! There’s hope for the future as the city works on improving public transportation options. If you want to stay updated on traffic conditions or find out more about commuting alternatives, head over to visaverge.com for all the insights you need.
This Article in a Nutshell:
Toronto has been deemed the worst city in North America for traffic congestion, beating New York and Mexico City, according to a report by TomTom. Toronto drivers spend an average of 29 minutes on a 10-kilometer trip. Commuters lost 98 hours in 2023 due to rush-hour traffic. The city needs long-term solutions to address this ongoing issue.
