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MANILA, Philippines – Metro Manila has the second worst traffic congestion in the world among 416 cities in 57 countries, reported technology specialist TomTom (TOM2).
According to TomTom’s annual traffic index, Metro Manila traffic ranked second in 2020 and drivers expect to spend an average of 53 percent more travel time stuck in traffic.
Metro Manila’s traffic also ranked second in the 2019 index. However, drivers spent more time stuck in traffic that year and at least 71 percent of their overtime was wasted due to traffic congestion.
Meanwhile, Bogotá in Colombia and Mumbai in India also finished second on the list with a congestion level of 53 percent each.
Russia’s Moscow (oblast) region topped the TomTom 2020 traffic index with a congestion level of 54 percent.
The Indian city of Bengaluru, which ranked first on the list in 2019 with a congestion level of 71 percent, fell to third place along with Istanbul in Turkey and Kiev in Ukraine. Each city recorded a congestion level of 51 percent last year.
Drastic changes in traffic
“[T]This year’s ranking is unlike anything we’ve seen before, ”TomTom noted in its 2020 report.
An analysis by consumer data and market company Statista showed that “387 cities experienced a significant decrease (average 21 percent) in overall congestion, as well as a staggering 28 percent average decrease in congestion during peak hours. “.
On the other hand, there were only 13 cities last year where traffic got worse.
COVID-19 and its possible impact on traffic
TomTom attributed the changes in traffic situations last year to Covid-19, specifically the road blocks imposed by different cities in different countries. He also stated that Covid-19 could potentially “change traffic forever.”
“The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically changed the way we live, work and move. Closures, remote work and other movement restrictions have transformed movement patterns and reduced traffic congestion in most cities, ”the Netherlands-based company said.
According to Statista, congestion is an indicator of a strong economy. While this can be seen as a positive sign, especially during the pandemic, the company acknowledged the negative environmental impact of traffic “in addition to costing travelers a considerable amount of time.”
“The pandemic may provide an opportunity to change that, however, with a cleaner, safer, and congestion-free future possible if society embraces a change in mobility,” said Niall McCarthy, Statista data journalist.
“More remote work capabilities and flexible hours may be the key to driving that change, while more conscious and environmentally friendly traffic options would help reduce emissions and protect the environment for future generations,” he added.
Statista Infographic: Traffic Jams
/ MUF
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