According to mobile analytics company INRIX, the average New Yorker sits in 117 hours of traffic every year. The company's global traffic scorecard puts a price on that wasted time and fuel at roughly $2,000 per person, per year.
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Driving in NYC can be a stressful and time-consuming experience, and New Yorkers on average spend more than 100 hours per year in traffic. But that's not the worst in the world, or even the U.S.
What are the NYC rush hour traffic patterns? Like many big cities, it is best to avoid roads during rush hour New York — typically from 8-9 a.m. and 3-7 p.m.
According to the transportation analytics firm INRIX, the average U.S. motorist spent 51 hours sitting in traffic last year — 15 hours more than in 2021, though it remains 50% lower than the pre-pandemic high of 99 hours in 2019.
During weekday morning rush hour, traffic in Manhattan is heaviest between 7 and 10 AM, with Midtown being the most congested area. Congestion then eases up somewhat between 10 AM and 4:30 PM before rush hour resumes from 4:30 to 7 PM. On weekends, traffic is generally lighter than on weekdays.
At a hearing about Manhattan traffic this morning convened by Borough President Gale Brewer, a simple consensus emerged: The fundamental issue is the limited amount of street space in the Manhattan core and the practically unlimited demand to use it.
Driving in NYC can be a stressful and time-consuming experience, and New Yorkers on average spend more than 100 hours per year in traffic. But that's not the worst in the world, or even the U.S. Anyone who drives in New York City knows how stressful and frustrating the traffic jams can be.
Driving in NYC can be quite difficult, especially if you are not used to it. But by following these tips, your trips around the city could be safer and easier. However, accidents do occur even when you are being cautious.
Make sure you tune in to a station with traffic updates. Try out local stations on AM radio. Avoid roads and areas with heavy construction. The toughest times to travel in and out of Manhattan are between 8-9 a.m. and 3-7 p.m. If you can, try to avoid rush hour or consider some alternate routes.
Today, it's best to get on the roads before 7 a.m. and tomorrow before 11 a.m. As for the weekend, the best times on Saturday and Monday are in the evening, around 6 or 7 p.m. Experts say that Sunday is statistically the lightest traffic day so that might be a good time to hit the road, as well.