Tampa traffic jumps as pandemic shifts driving habits
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Tampa drivers spent an average of 48 hours in traffic in 2021, according to new data from the TomTom Traffic Index. We're tied with Atlanta, New Orleans, Washington, and, strangely …
- The Cape-Coral-Fort Myers area, which is far less populated.
Yes, but: We're spending significantly less time in rush hour traffic, as traffic density has become more spread out throughout the day.
- Tampa drivers lost 3 days and 4 hours of their lives in rush hour last year.
- But that's 1 day 9 hours less than in 2019.
Why it matters: City planners are constantly looking for ways to reduce traffic congestion because it means wasted time, harmful emissions and negative economic impacts for cities.
- See: the project to add lanes to Malfunction Junction, which is expected to take until 2026.
Between the lines: According to TomTom's data, congestion in Tampa was up 17% in 2021 versus 2020, but down compared to 2019.
Of note: The pandemic upended our driving habits as people opted more for private transport, TomTom points out.
- Plus, the uptick in online shopping has meant more delivery drivers on the road.
The big picture: Compared to 404 cities in 58 countries on six continents, Tampa ranks 201st in congestion.
Ben's thought bubble: I filed this story late because it took me 35 minutes to drive from Armenia and Columbus to northern Seminole Heights — just five miles — at rush-hour yesterday.