2024 Global Traffic Scorecard
The 2024 Global Traffic Scorecard analyzes transportation data for over 900 cities worldwide, highlighting travel delays, congestion costs, and commuting trends. Traffic congestion results from demand exceeding supply, leading to lost time, fuel inefficiency, and negative externalities. Despite pandemic-related decreases in trips to city centers, most downtowns have seen increases in vehicle volumes and travel times since 2021.
Key Points
- Traffic congestion occurs when demand exceeds supply of roadways
- Lost time and fuel inefficiency due to congestion have economic value
- Global oil prices in 2024 led to a small decrease in fuel costs for motorists
- Pandemic-related shifts to telecommuting and hybrid schedules reduced trips to city centers
- Most downtowns experienced increases in vehicle volumes and travel times between 2021 and 2024
Pros
- Provides comprehensive transportation data for over 900 cities globally
- Highlights travel delays, congestion costs, and commuting trends
Cons
- Does not measure negative externalities like freight delay, inflationary pressure, and environmental impact
- Limited focus on the impact of pandemic-related changes on travel behavior