Traffic congestion is more than just a daily inconvenience. For many North American cities, it’s a complex challenge with far-reaching consequences, from economic losses and environmental damage to public health concerns and lost productivity.
In 2024, congestion levels in several urban centers reached new highs, with commuters in some of the worst cities for traffic losing over 100 hours annually to gridlock, according to the INRIX Global Traffic Scorecard and the TomTom Traffic Index.
Fortunately, innovative traffic management technologies like Miovision help cities reduce congestion without expensive infrastructure overhauls. By combining real-time traffic data, AI-powered signal optimization, and adaptive planning, Miovision is enabling smarter, more sustainable mobility solutions.
In this article, we’ll explore the worst cities for traffic in North America, examine the root causes of their congestion, and highlight the cutting-edge solutions reshaping the future of urban traffic.
Worst Cities for Traffic in North America
1. New York City, NY
Hours Lost Annually: 102 hours
The city never sleeps, and seldom does the traffic! Despite its robust public transit system, recent data shows New York City remains a congested powerhouse due to its population density and volume of private vehicles.
Causes: Ongoing construction, ride-share services, and delivery traffic all compound the issue. Congestion occurs in virtually every borough, especially during rush hours.
Innovative Steps: The city plans to implement congestion pricing, charging drivers to enter the most traffic-heavy zones—a move expected to reduce congestion and encourage alternative routes and transit. Additionally, optimized traffic signals could improve gridlock within the city, and make it safer for drivers and pedestrians alike.
2. Chicago, IL
Hours Lost Annually: 102 hours
Tied with NYC, Chicago’s congestion challenges stem from infrastructure struggles and weather disruptions.
Causes: Harsh winters and aging roads slow traffic flow and cause frequent delays. Rush-hour traffic on major arteries like the Kennedy Expressway is notorious.
Traffic Solutions: The city is promoting alternative transportation by expanding bike lanes and incentivizing public transit use. Technology-driven solutions, such as smart traffic signals and adaptive control systems, could further alleviate congestion.
3. Toronto, Canada
Hours Lost Annually: 98 hours
There’s a saying among locals that “Toronto is one hour away from Toronto,” and they’re not exaggerating. Toronto tops the list of North America’s most congested cities, with drivers losing nearly five full days per year in traffic.
Causes: Suburban sprawl, outdated highway infrastructure, and underdeveloped public transit systems are among the top contributors. Highway bottlenecks like the 401, the Gardiner Expressway and the Don Valley Parkway are especially problematic during peak times.
Solutions in Progress: Ongoing expansion of the GO Transit system and new TTC subway lines are designed to promote mode shift. Still, experts agree that smart traffic signal technology and real-time traffic analytics, like those offered by Miovision’s solutions (which had great outcomes in the nearby communities of Milton, Ontario and the Waterloo region), are essential to truly improving traffic flow.
4. Los Angeles, CA
Hours Lost Annually: 95 hours
Known for its car culture, Los Angeles continues to rank high among congested cities.
Causes: A widespread lack of viable public transit, urban sprawl, and high dependency on personal vehicles drive up congestion levels. More cars on the road means more air pollution, higher fuel consumption, and worse traffic conditions.
Planned Initiatives: In anticipation of the 2028 Olympics, LA is investing in Metro expansions and light rail development. These changes, coupled with AI-based traffic optimization, detection and management, are part of a broader effort to reduce congestion without adding more lanes.
5. Houston, TX
Hours Lost Annually: 47 hours
Houston has made strides in managing traffic, but it still faces major urban traffic problems.
Causes: Urban sprawl and induced demand from highway expansion contribute to long commute times and frequent traffic jams.
Emerging Solutions: The city of Houston is testing smart traffic management tools, like those provided by Miovision, to monitor traffic conditions and adapt signal timing in real time. Flexible work hours and improved public transit options are also being considered.
Common Urban Traffic Problems and Their Causes
1. Urban Sprawl and Population Growth
Rapid population growth in cities like Houston and Toronto has led to more vehicles on the road. When infrastructure development lags behind residential expansion, congestion levels soar.
2. Inadequate Public Transportation
Many cities lack the robust public transit systems needed to support mode shift. This results in higher reliance on private vehicles and increased peak-hour traffic.
3. Aging Infrastructure
Older urban centers like New York and Chicago struggle with outdated road systems that can’t keep up with today’s traffic demands. Poor road conditions also worsen commute times and lead to wasted fuel.
The Cost of Congestion: Economic, Environmental & Health Impacts
Economic Costs
According to INRIX, U.S. cities lost an estimated $87 billion in 2024 due to traffic congestion—including lost productivity, wasted fuel, and increased operating costs for businesses. The average driver in congested cities spends hundreds of extra dollars annually because of delays.
Environmental Impact
Stop-and-go traffic significantly increases emissions, contributing to poor air quality and climate change. More cars on the road means more pollution, especially in densely populated urban areas.
Public Health
Increased commute times have been linked to higher stress, sleep issues, and exposure to air pollutants that can trigger respiratory problems and cardiovascular disease.
What Are the Most Effective Solutions to Reduce Traffic Congestion?
Congestion Pricing
By charging vehicles to enter high-traffic areas during peak times, cities like New York aim to reduce congestion and encourage drivers to seek alternative routes or public transit.
Public Transit Expansion
Investments in public transit infrastructure can dramatically reduce car dependency. Toronto, Los Angeles, and other big cities are already expanding their networks to improve access and reliability.
Smart Traffic Technology
This is where Miovision stands out. Our intelligent transportation systems offer real-time monitoring and adaptive signal control to optimize traffic flow. Instead of building more lanes, cities can invest in smarter road space management to reduce congestion and delay.
Miovision’s smart city solutions help cities make data-driven decisions that improve traffic conditions, reduce emissions, and increase road safety.
Looking Ahead: A Smarter Future for Urban Mobility
Traffic congestion is a persistent challenge, but it’s not insurmountable. As cities grow, so too must their approach to traffic management. Rather than relying solely on infrastructure expansion, the most forward-thinking municipalities are embracing innovative solutions, from congestion pricing to AI-powered traffic signals.
With companies like Miovision leading the charge, the future of urban mobility looks more efficient, data-driven, and sustainable. By investing in smart technology and prioritizing public transit, cities can reduce congestion and improve the quality of life for millions of residents.
Have questions about how smart traffic tech can help your city? Contact us to learn more.