The Economy

Congested Highways

Feb. 15, 2011

Survey shows the actual cost of auto traffic delays

If you live anywhere near Chicago or Washington, D.C., this news won't surprise you at all (but let's hope you're not reading this while stuck in traffic): The distinction of having the worst commutes in the nation are shared by these two cities (based on annual delay per auto commuter).

$115 billion
the annual cost of congestion in 2009

$24 billion
the cost of congestion in 1982

3.9 billion
number of gallons of fuel wasted due to congestion in 2009

$808
cost of congestion to the average commuter in 2009

$351
cost of congestion per commuter in 1982

The typical commuter in both metropolitan areas wastes 70 hours per year -- plus more than 50 gallons of gas -- sitting in traffic, according to a survey conducted by Texas Transportation Institute (TTI).

Acknowledging that there is no "best way" to solve congestion problems, Tim Lomax, a research engineer with TTI, suggests that "the most effective strategy is one where [government] agency actions are complemented by efforts of businesses, manufacturers, commuters and travelers."

Dave Blanchard | Senior Director of Content

Focus: Supply Chain

Call: (941) 208-4370

Follow on Twitter @SupplyChainDave

During his career Dave Blanchard has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeek, EHS Today, Material Handling & Logistics, Logistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. He also serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2010), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its second edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.