Detroiters are driving more post-COVID
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
If traffic around Metro Detroit feels bad, it's not your imagination.
- New data indicates traffic has now surpassed pre-COVID levels.
The big picture: Average daily vehicle miles traveled (VMT) per capita increased 12.3% across the 100 largest U.S. metro areas last spring compared to the same period in 2019, according to a new report from StreetLight Data, a transportation analytics firm.
State of our streets: Traffic in the Detroit area has increased by 5.9%.
- Michigan's first carpool lanes — also known as high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes — were introduced on I-75 in Oakland County a year ago to reduce congestion, improve safety and improve air quality.
Yes, but: Our traffic situation isn't as bad as some other major Midwest cities, such as Indianapolis and Columbus, where VMT increased by 13% and 16%, respectively, per StreetLight Data.
Between the lines: Higher VMT tends to mean more car-related emissions, but it can also indicate changes generally perceived as positive, like more economic activity.
- The metros with the biggest reductions in VMT per capita are concentrated in California, such as Los Angeles (-16.6%), San Francisco (-13.2%) and San Jose (-12.3%).
The intrigue: Lower VMT can be a sign of successful public transit or cycling projects — or an indication that many people work hybrid or remotely.
Zoom out: "GDP now stands above 2019 levels even in the metros where VMT is still down," per StreetLight's report.
- "This is a signal that GDP growth can be decoupled from VMT growth."
💭 Joe's thought bubble: Sure, traffic is worse in other cities. But Metro Detroit's rush hour is no joke, especially considering all the construction and impatient drivers whose reckless maneuvers make the situation worse.