congestion
Newsletter
Credit: Mircea Iancu/Pixabay
Car travel now exceeds pre-pandemic levels in most US cities
A recent report shows that vehicle miles traveled in the US have risen 12% since 2019, with New York City’s urban core seeing the largest increase.
In short:
- Driving in most US metropolitan areas is higher than before the pandemic, with a 12% increase in vehicle miles traveled (VMT) from 2019 to 2024.
- NYC saw a 14.7% rise in daily VMT per capita, the highest of any major city center, while Los Angeles saw a 17% decline.
- Remote work and population shifts may be contributing to changes in driving patterns.
Key quote:
“Congestion is pretty stubborn.”
— Emily Adler, director of content at StreetLight Data.
Why this matters:
Increased driving worsens pollution and traffic congestion, both of which complicate efforts to meet climate and public health goals. Policymakers must address infrastructure and urban planning to curb these trends.
Read more:
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Credit: Veronika Galkina/Unsplash
New York's halt on congestion pricing impacts nationwide efforts
New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s decision to pause Manhattan’s congestion pricing plan may stall similar initiatives across the country.
In short:
- Governor Hochul announced an indefinite pause on the $15 congestion charge for Manhattan, citing unintended consequences.
- The Metropolitan Transportation Authority loses over $1 billion in anticipated funding, affecting public transportation improvements.
- Other cities like Portland, Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles were closely monitoring New York’s plan to shape their own policies.
Key quote:
“The Governor’s reckless decision to effectively kill congestion pricing in New York City — and every other city in America that is considering following New York’s example — is a staggering error.”
— Liz Krueger, Democratic state senator
Why this matters:
The pause in New York’s plan could embolden opposition groups in other cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Seattle, where congestion pricing discussions are underway. These cities are watching New York closely, as its success or failure could serve as a blueprint for their own traffic management and environmental efforts.
Related EHN coverage:
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‘Warehouse’ growth worrying environmental groups in Pa.
The online shopping industry, and the multi-billion dollar logistics and distribution network at its core, depend on Pennsylvania’s roads, land and workers for its warehouses.
Battle for clean air: the row raging over London’s ultra-low emission zone
A planned extension to the capital’s ‘Ulez’ has become a political battleground as opponents take legal action to stop it while others say drastic action is vital to fight pollution.
Dhaka Metro: Bangladesh capital opens first mass rapid transit line
Bangladesh has launched its first metro rail service in the capital Dhaka, with officials and commuters hopeful it will help ease traffic in one of the world's most densely populated and congested cities.
Photo by Jezael Melgoza on Unsplash
Jeff Speck: Urban planner revisits ‘Walkable City,’ 10 years later
In an excerpt from the book’s new 10th anniversary edition, author and urban planner Jeff Speck looks at how the streets of US cities have changed.
Photo by Jasmin Mazarine on Unsplash
Brussels' 'good move' traffic plan to ban cars in city center
The Belgian capital’s Good Move mobility initiative aims to tame traffic in the car-choked city center. But some neighborhoods have resisted vehicle restrictions.
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