Believe it or not, Boston's traffic woes have improved, according to a new study.
The INRIX 2024 Global Traffic Scorecard found that Boston drivers spent an average of 79 hours sitting in traffic throughout the year - that's a 10% decrease from the 88 hours reported in 2023.
Of course, that still leaves the city ranked fourth worst in the country for hours lost in traffic - behind only New York City, Chicago and Los Angeles - and 12th worst globally.
It's a ranking that comes as little surprise to Boston-area drivers. Based on the 2024 data, drivers lost an average of $1,414-worth of time and productivity. Peak speeds during the morning and afternoon commutes only hit around 20 mph.
Interstate 93 starting from Braintree through the North End, was marked as the busiest corridor.
City officials are always looking for new solutions to the traffic problem, including things like incorporating artificial intelligence to analyze traffic patterns to determine the best timing for lights at intersections.
A MassDOT spokesperson told NBC10 Boston that they are working to improve congestion in the greater Boston area for several years.
"MassDOT regularly works to identify bottlenecks on state and local roadways and has a program to initiate projects to help relive these bottlenecks," the statement reads in part. "Additionally, Massachusetts employers have had one of the highest remote work participation rates in the nation over the last few years which provides some relief to peak commuting periods. MassDOT has also worked closely with the MBTA and Regional Transit Authorities across the state to ensure that commuters have viable public transit commuting options."
In New York City, which is ranked as having the worst traffic and the U.S. and second-worst in the world, city leaders have approved a plan for congestion pricing - fees for drivers entering key areas at the busiest times. It's an idea that has been floated in Boston, though no concrete proposals have moved forward.
