Why Traffic Is Worse Than Ever (and can NYC fix it?)

Summary

In this video, the creator explores the puzzling rise in traffic congestion despite more people working from home post-pandemic. Using reports from StreetLight and the Texas Transportation Institute, the analysis dives into various factors contributing to the issue, including increased ride-hailing services, e-commerce deliveries, and people's shift away from public transit. Psychological factors such as COVID-19 related stress and fear of crowded spaces also play a role. The video emphasizes how traffic patterns have evolved in cities like New York and discusses potential solutions, including congestion pricing. It offers a deep dive into how our transportation systems are adapting to the post-pandemic world.

Takeaways

• 😀 The COVID-19 pandemic caused major disruptions to transportation systems, emptying streets and lowering traffic volumes.
• 😀 Many cities took the opportunity to repurpose public space for outdoor seating, walking, and biking, leading to hopes of smarter urban mobility.
• 😀 Despite initial optimism, traffic congestion has worsened over the last five years, raising the question of why this is happening.
• 😀 Research by StreetLight and the Texas Transportation Institute shows that vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and traffic congestion are higher than pre-pandemic levels.
• 😀 The rise in remote work was expected to reduce traffic, but this shift has not significantly alleviated congestion, and increased reliance on remote work is not a complete solution.
• 😀 Factors like increased personal car sales, reduced transit use, and a growing number of e-commerce deliveries have contributed to higher traffic levels, especially in New York City.
• 😀 Ride-hailing services (e.g., Uber, Lyft) have contributed to increased VMT by adding more vehicles on the road and reducing carpooling and public transit use.
• 😀 Despite some claims that ride-hailing services reduce car ownership, studies show that they lead to a drop in transit ridership but not a significant decrease in private car ownership.
• 😀 In New York City, the increased use of personal vehicles (despite a flat car ownership rate) and a decline in subway ridership point to changes in how people are getting around.
• 😀 Research shows that remote work can lead to more non-work-related travel, often by private car, which may contribute to the increase in traffic congestion.
• 😀 Psychological factors such as fear of COVID-19 and stress have hindered the return of many people to public transit, influencing post-pandemic mobility patterns.

Q & A

How did the COVID-19 pandemic impact traffic congestion in cities?

The COVID-19 pandemic initially led to a significant reduction in traffic congestion due to the widespread shift to remote work and social distancing measures. However, traffic congestion has returned in many cities, particularly after lockdowns were lifted, despite remote work remaining prevalent.

Why is traffic worse than before the pandemic in cities like New York?

Traffic in cities like New York is worse than before the pandemic due to several factors, including the rise of ride-hailing services, shifts in transportation behaviors, and people relying more on personal vehicles due to safety concerns related to public transit.

How do ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft contribute to increased traffic?

Ride-hailing services contribute to increased traffic by adding more cars on the road, especially because drivers often travel empty between passenger pickups, which is known as 'deadheading'. This increases vehicle miles traveled (VMT), exacerbating congestion.

What impact have ride-hailing services had on public transportation?

Ride-hailing services have led to a decline in public transportation ridership. A study indicated that ride-hailing caused a 9% reduction in transit use. However, this decrease didn't necessarily lead to less private car ownership, implying that ride-hailing isn't a complete substitute for public transport.

How has the fear of COVID-19 influenced transportation choices?

The fear of exposure to COVID-19 in public spaces, particularly crowded transit systems, has led many individuals to avoid public transport and rely more on personal vehicles, contributing to increased car usage and traffic congestion.

What is the role of remote work in increasing traffic congestion?

Remote work has reduced traditional commuting but has led to an increase in non-work-related trips, often made in personal vehicles. Some individuals have also moved to suburban or rural areas, which typically requires longer trips, thus increasing vehicle miles traveled.

What has been the effect of suburban migration on traffic patterns?

Suburban migration, where people move out of dense urban areas, has led to longer car trips, especially for those commuting to urban centers for work or leisure. This shift has contributed to an overall increase in vehicle miles traveled and worsened traffic in both urban and suburban areas.

Why are policies like congestion pricing being introduced in cities?

Policies like congestion pricing are being introduced to manage increasing traffic congestion, especially in high-density urban areas. These measures aim to reduce the number of vehicles in crowded zones by charging fees for entry, encouraging the use of alternative modes of transport.

What challenges exist in implementing congestion pricing policies?

Implementing congestion pricing policies faces challenges such as public opposition, concerns over fairness, and the effectiveness of such measures in reducing congestion. Additionally, some people are reluctant to give up their personal vehicles despite the availability of alternative transportation options.

How have transportation behaviors shifted post-pandemic, and what are the long-term implications?

Post-pandemic, transportation behaviors have shifted towards more reliance on personal vehicles due to health concerns and the convenience of remote work. Long-term implications may include sustained traffic congestion, reduced public transit ridership, and a continuing challenge for urban mobility planning.