Vancouver Is Canada's Most Congested City - Rise Of The Burbs
(April 01, 2015
)
Our real estate team and lower mainland residents know a thing or two about sitting in traffic, real estate and gas prices, taxes, taxes and more taxes. So, it comes as no surprise to any of us that Vancouver is Canada's most congested city complete with a plethora of serious trickle down issues.
At rush hour, congestion increases Vancouver drivers’ travel times by 66%, compared with 57% Canada-wide.
TomTom estimates that the average Vancouver driver loses 84 hours a year by being stuck in traffic. Across Canada, this works out to about 79 hours a year.
What is one way employers can help cut down their workers’ travel times and lost congestion-related driving hours?
What does that mean to those of us that live and work here? It means that our rise of the burbs forecasting is right on schedule. In fact, it turns out we know more about traffic congestion than any other city in Canada. According to TomTom’s Traffic Index report released March 31, the average percentage increase in travel time that can be attributed solely to congestion in Vancouver is 35% – a full eight percentage points higher than the national average of 27%.
At rush hour, congestion increases Vancouver drivers’ travel times by 66%, compared with 57% Canada-wide.
TomTom estimates that the average Vancouver driver loses 84 hours a year by being stuck in traffic. Across Canada, this works out to about 79 hours a year.
What is one way employers can help cut down their workers’ travel times and lost congestion-related driving hours?
“The high levels of congestion are due in part to the traditional work week, giving people no choice but to all be on the road network at the exact same time,” TomTom said in a release.
“By adopting more flexible schedules, individuals save travel time and rush hour congestion can be reduced overall.”
Toronto comes in second place across Canada at 31% overall, followed by Ottawa with 28%.
Calgary drivers may be surprised to learn that they have the lowest congestion rate of any other major city in Canada, at 22%.
The study found that only one city in the United States – Los Angeles – has worse congestion than Vancouver. Angelenos’ travel time is increased by 39% due to being stuck in traffic.
Worldwide, Istanbul has the worst congestion levels, at 58%. Mexico City is in second place at 93%, followed by Rio de Janeiro (51%).
When is the worst time for congestion? TomTom found that you will likely spend the most time stuck in traffic on Thursday evenings.
These statistics may add fuel to the Yes side’s tank in the transit plebiscite currently under way in Metro Vancouver, as this side is taking the stand that a 0.5% percentage PST increase will decrease traffic in the region. Some No side supporters have pointed out, however, that a Yes win will simply lead to an increase in taxes and wouldn't guarantee that all the improvements that are being touted will actually take place.
“By adopting more flexible schedules, individuals save travel time and rush hour congestion can be reduced overall.”
Toronto comes in second place across Canada at 31% overall, followed by Ottawa with 28%.
Calgary drivers may be surprised to learn that they have the lowest congestion rate of any other major city in Canada, at 22%.
The study found that only one city in the United States – Los Angeles – has worse congestion than Vancouver. Angelenos’ travel time is increased by 39% due to being stuck in traffic.
Worldwide, Istanbul has the worst congestion levels, at 58%. Mexico City is in second place at 93%, followed by Rio de Janeiro (51%).
When is the worst time for congestion? TomTom found that you will likely spend the most time stuck in traffic on Thursday evenings.
These statistics may add fuel to the Yes side’s tank in the transit plebiscite currently under way in Metro Vancouver, as this side is taking the stand that a 0.5% percentage PST increase will decrease traffic in the region. Some No side supporters have pointed out, however, that a Yes win will simply lead to an increase in taxes and wouldn't guarantee that all the improvements that are being touted will actually take place.
The Yes side has not taken any of the current and future changes to transportation such as Uber. There is obviously a massive amount of social engineering and politicking taking place at the expense of home owners and tax payers.
Exhausted yet? If you are you might want to seriously considering making a move to an ideal location in "the burbs" better known as the Fraser Valley. From White Rock & South Surrey to Langley, Maple Ridge and every other corner of the spectacular bread basket of Metro Vancouver, there are outstanding opportunities now and especially the future.
Whatever questions, thoughts or concerns you might have or if your considering buying or selling any real estate anywhere in the lower mainland or British Columbia, don't hesitate to call or email the only urban and suburban real estate team on Canada's west coast, The BC Home Hunter Group, 604-767-6736.
Categories
Archives
- May 2022 (1)
- November 2021 (2)
- October 2021 (3)
- July 2021 (1)
- March 2021 (1)
- April 2020 (1)
- January 2020 (1)
- October 2019 (1)
- September 2019 (1)
- August 2019 (1)
- June 2019 (1)
- April 2019 (1)
- December 2018 (1)
- August 2018 (1)
- July 2018 (1)
- June 2018 (1)
- April 2018 (1)
- March 2018 (1)
- February 2018 (2)
- January 2018 (2)
- December 2017 (1)
- November 2017 (2)
- October 2017 (2)
- August 2017 (3)
- June 2017 (3)
- April 2017 (3)
- March 2017 (3)
- February 2017 (1)
- January 2017 (3)
- December 2016 (4)
- November 2016 (2)
- October 2016 (3)
- August 2016 (3)
- July 2016 (1)
- June 2016 (3)
- April 2016 (3)
- March 2016 (3)
- February 2016 (10)
- January 2016 (5)
- December 2015 (1)
- November 2015 (4)
- October 2015 (3)
- September 2015 (1)
- August 2015 (3)
- July 2015 (3)
- June 2015 (10)
- May 2015 (4)
- April 2015 (9)
- March 2015 (3)
- February 2015 (5)
- January 2015 (12)
- December 2014 (7)
- November 2014 (13)
- October 2014 (13)
- September 2014 (9)
- August 2014 (4)
- July 2014 (10)
- June 2014 (12)
- May 2014 (10)
- April 2014 (5)
- March 2014 (23)