Why Washington D.C. Now Tops Los Angeles as the City’s with the Worst Traffic in America

Washington, D.C., has taken the lead as the U.S. city with the worst traffic, according to annual rankings by Consumer Affairs. Drivers in the capital spend more time stuck in traffic than anywhere else, averaging 33.4 minutes on their daily commute. This adds up to over six and a half hours of congestion during rush hours—just behind Los Angeles, which has historically held this record.

Interestingly, cities with high traffic often have strong economies. Michael Manville, an urban planning professor at UCLA, explains that bustling areas attract more residents. As more people choose to drive to work, congestion naturally increases. “Congestion can be a sign of economic prosperity,” he notes.

Despite the challenges, some cities manage to keep traffic in check. Miami, San Francisco, and Atlanta are in the top five for worst traffic, while Rochester, Salt Lake City, and Cleveland rank among the best. Manville points out that these better-performing cities, once industrial hubs, have open road space, making it easier for everyone to get around.

The return of federal workers to their offices has worsened D.C.’s traffic situation recently. Many who once worked from home face longer commutes as public transportation usage remains below pre-pandemic levels. Local commuter Jonathan Roush shared his frustration, stating, “Traffic in D.C. stinks.” He plans his work hours around peak traffic times to ease the hassle.

Notably, while Los Angeles still leads in daily congestion hours, at nearly eight, its average commute time is about 30 minutes. This highlights how traffic issues can differ greatly depending on location and urban design.

In summary, worsening traffic often reflects a city’s economic health. Addressing these challenges requires smart planning and investment in public transport options. Balancing growth while reducing congestion is an ongoing puzzle for many urban areas today. For more on traffic trends across U.S. cities, you can check out Consumer Affairs’ full report.

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