Today's Edition
A.SREENIVASA REDDY (ABU DHABI)
An average motorist in Abu Dhabi lost 19 hours waiting in traffic in 2024, a slight improvement compared to 20 hours in 2023, according to a global traffic survey report. The findings suggest marginal progress in the emirate's traffic conditions.
The 2024 Global Traffic Scorecard, released by INRIX Inc., a global leader in transportation data and analytics, ranked 946 cities across 37 countries based on congestion and commuting trends. Abu Dhabi was placed at 473rd position, a relatively low rank, indicating that the UAE's capital remains among the least congested capital cities globally.
The report highlights that the "last mile speed" in Abu Dhabi is 34 kilometres per hour. Last mile speed refers to the average speed at which a driver can travel into the central business district during peak hours. The metric for hours lost in traffic is calculated by comparing travel times during peak and off-peak periods.
In contrast, motorists in Dubai lost an average of 35 hours in traffic in 2024, an increase from 33 hours in 2023, reflecting a slight worsening of traffic conditions. Dubai's growing population continues to put pressure on its road infrastructure despite significant investments. The last mile speed in Dubai stands at 35 kilometres per hour, slightly better than Abu Dhabi, reflecting more effective traffic management in the core business districts. Dubai ranks 154th globally in the congestion rankings.
Globally, Istanbul topped the traffic congestion index, with commuters losing 105 hours in 2024. New York City and Chicago followed closely, with drivers stuck for 102 hours each. Other cities in the top 10 included London (101 hours), Mexico City (97 hours), Paris (97 hours), Cape Town (94 hours), Jakarta (89 hours), Los Angeles (88 hours), and Brisbane (84 hours).
The survey revealed that 10 American cities featured among the top 25 most congested urban areas worldwide.
Of the 946 urban areas studied, 55% (520 cities) experienced increased traffic delays in 2024 compared to 2023, while 28% (268 cities) saw a reduction. About 17% (158 cities) showed no significant change in traffic congestion levels year-on-year.
Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX and the author of the 2024 Global Traffic Scorecard, remarked: "Every year since 2020, we've seen traffic gradually rise towards pre-pandemic levels. While the US still lags behind pre-2020 traffic levels, the reduction in remote and hybrid work models has led to a surge in downtown trips, signalling economic recovery. Additionally, the data highlights increased activity on Saturday and Sunday evenings as urban cores regain vibrancy."
Although the INRIX report highlights that traffic jams in UAE cities are less severe compared to top global cities such as New York City and London, they remain a concern.
"Traffic jams are not only a nuisance for motorists but also impose a significant cost on a nation's economy," said Thomas Edelmann, Founder and Managing Director of RoadSafetyUAE.
From a road safety perspective, minimising traffic jams is essential, as reckless driving tends to increase when motorists feel cornered, Edelmann explained.
"Steps should be taken to reduce the number of vehicles on the roads, especially during peak hours. Road tolls, such as Salik, can play a role, but measures like staggered school and office timings and carpooling could help alleviate congestion on busy roads," he added.
A recent RoadSafetyUAE study on traffic in the country mirrored the findings of the INRIX report. According to the study, the "commute time perception" of UAE motorists has worsened, with 62% of respondents saying they are spending more time on the roads.
The perception is more positive in Abu Dhabi, where only 50% of respondents reported longer commutes compared to six months ago. In contrast, 67% of Dubai respondents stated that their commute time had increased in the past six months, aligning with the findings of the international study.
