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.
According to the latest reports based on the acclaimed INRIX Traffic Scorecard, there has been a 20 percent increase in the average travelling time of New Yorkers due to over-crowded roads. This data, gathered from various sources and statistics, is considered to be the most accurate and reliable indicator of traffic conditions in metropolitan cities in the United States. Los Angeles, Honolulu, San Francisco and Austin topped the list, with commuters of the City of Angels now losing a whopping 64 hours per year due to combusted roads.
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.
There are, however, various pro's and cons to any tolling system. The fairness of the tariffs for specific demographic groups and vehicles, as well as the way in which the revenue will be spent, are some of the most crucial issues to consider. Especially in New York, commuters will be skeptical and unwilling to accept another tolling system so soon after the spectacular collapse of a previous one.
Public campaigns in favor of more fair tolling plans to address the over-populated New York roads are met with skepticism and antagonism following a previous pricing plan that failed badly, but thus far it seems to be the only option. This system of charging fees to reduce traffic congestion has proved to be workable in cities such as Singapore, London and Stockholm, but public opinion in New York will have to change drastically before it can be introduced there.
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.
According to the latest reports based on the acclaimed INRIX Traffic Scorecard, there has been a 20 percent increase in the average travelling time of New Yorkers due to over-crowded roads. This data, gathered from various sources and statistics, is considered to be the most accurate and reliable indicator of traffic conditions in metropolitan cities in the United States. Los Angeles, Honolulu, San Francisco and Austin topped the list, with commuters of the City of Angels now losing a whopping 64 hours per year due to combusted roads.
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.
There are, however, various pro's and cons to any tolling system. The fairness of the tariffs for specific demographic groups and vehicles, as well as the way in which the revenue will be spent, are some of the most crucial issues to consider. Especially in New York, commuters will be skeptical and unwilling to accept another tolling system so soon after the spectacular collapse of a previous one.
Public campaigns in favor of more fair tolling plans to address the over-populated New York roads are met with skepticism and antagonism following a previous pricing plan that failed badly, but thus far it seems to be the only option. This system of charging fees to reduce traffic congestion has proved to be workable in cities such as Singapore, London and Stockholm, but public opinion in New York will have to change drastically before it can be introduced there.
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