When it rains, it pours. And every time it pours in Kenya’s capital, traffic congestion becomes the order of the day, as it happened Sunday evening.
Traffic congestion is a problem that affects almost every city in the world; with long periods of traffic ruining the daily commute for many motorists and passengers.
With increasing urbanisation, and population growth, it has been a critical issue for city planners, policymakers, and commuters.
1. Bogota (Colombia)
Colombia’s capital, Bogota is one of the cities in world that has significant traffic congestion. Every day, commuters face difficulties moving in the congested streets that adversely affects their travel times and general effectiveness.
Residents and visitors both have to travel for longer periods of time as the system of city road’s struggle to handle huge number of vehicles. Some necessary steps must be taken to improve the quality of life for those who live in and around Bogota. On average, drivers spent 191 hours (equivalent to eight days) sitting in traffic congestion in 2023.
2. Mexico City (Mexico)
Mexico causes a lot of commute delays for drivers due to a lot of traffic. Due to the heavy traffic on the city roads, it frequently comes to a standstill, which results in extended travel times.
Pollution levels have increased due to congestion, creating serious concerns for both the environment and the local population. The problem is getting in control with enhancing public transport and putting traffic control measures. Last year in Mexico City, motorist lost an average of 158 hours (an equivalent of 6.58 days) in traffic jams.
3. Bangkok (Thailand)
Tourists in Bangkok face a lot of traffic issues because of daily activities and productivity of the population. The heavy traffic on the roads causes frustrating delays and worsens air quality.
It is essential to make improvements to the infrastructure and promote effective public transport systems to decrease traffic and raise life quality for both locals and visitors. Last year, motorists spent an average of 151 hours (6.29 days) in traffic congestion.
4. Jakarta (Indonesia)
Indonesian capital, Jakarta, is extremely congested that causes drivers to commute for far longer than is necessary. The city’s congested roads make the daily life of residents and visitors difficult. The problem has increased the expansion of cities and the rise in vehicle traffic. Traffic congestion is getting worse with the inadequate infrastructure and lax traffic laws. In 2023, hours lost in traffic congestion in Jakarta averaged 71, or three days, with a last mile speed of 17.7 kilometres per hour.
5. Manila (Philippines)
In this city, outsiders face significant delays that interfere with their daily activities and productivity. The difficulty in navigating the streets of Manila not only reduces the effectiveness of transportation, but it also raises stress level and contributes to pollution. Manila’s urban planning and transport infrastructure is essential to resolve its traffic issues and for enhancing standard of living for its citizens. In Manila, hours lost in congestion averaged 257 in 2023.
6. Cairo (Egypt)
In Egypt’s capital Cairo, struggles with heavy traffic results in lengthy delays for commuters. The streets frequently turn into a maze of moving cars making travelling incredibly slow. Travelling from one location to another can take a lot of time that affects both locals and visitors routines.
Cairo’s congested streets presents a challenge despite numerous efforts to decrease traffic and making efficient travelling a constant struggle. On average, motorists in this North African city lost 151 hours (6.29 days) in traffic jams.
7. New Delhi (India)
The significant traffic congestion in New Delhi slows down the speed of public movement in the city. The roads’ traffic is under a lot of pressure due to growing population and rapid urbanisation in the city. There is a noticeable impact on the last mile speed during peak hours.
Residents and visitors alike encounter extremely congested streets, which makes travelling times frustratingly long. The city’s administration is focusing on infrastructure upgrades and expanding public transportation to address these issues and to provide citizens with more effective travelling options. In 2023, hours lost in traffic congestion in New Delhi, averaged 177, an equivalent to just over seven days.
8. Istanbul (Turkey)
The city of Istanbul has a congestion rate of 49 per cent and comes in top list of the most congested cities in the world. The roads are frequently congested with traffic resulting in lengthy delays for commuters. It causes financial losses because it causes delays in shipments and difficulty in moving goods.
It worsens due to city’s busy road networks and high percentage of residents owning cars. This increases the challenges to enhance public transport and reduce the traffic issue. Last year, motorists in Istanbul lost an average of 153 hours in road congestions, with last mile speeds of 17.7 kilometres per hour.
9. Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
Brazil’s capital city Rio de Janeiro records as the ninth most congested city in the world due to its 47 per cent traffic congestion. The city has traffic issues despite advancements from previous years due to road construction and a lack of clearly defined rush hours. Due to city’s unusual traffic pattern, congestion occurs throughout the day. Rio is further aiming to reduce its traffic issues with improvement in public transport and road infrastructure. In Rio, hours lost in congestion in 2023 averaged 190.
10. Moscow (Russia)
Russia’s capital city Moscow is a significant urban hub that experiences heavy traffic. The city has a complex road system and high percentage of residents who own cars that causes traffic-related problems. Moscow’s streets are frequently congested that impacts commuters’ daily routines, which leads to economic losses due to delayed shipments and lengthened travel times.
Congestion reduction initiatives are emphasising the need for better infrastructure and transport options to ensure that residents can move around more easily. In 2023, Moscow’s commuters lost an average of 108 hours (4.5 days) in congestion.
COMPILED BY: ELLY GITAU
