If you think traffic in Metro Manila and in Metro Cebu are two of the worst in the world, think again.
Dutch firm TomTom’s Traffic Index has released the top 10 world cities that endure severe traffic jams this year, specifically during rush hours and after-work period. The study summed up traffic data from 195 countries and ranked the 10 cities where people waste time due to jampacked roads and surplus of cars.
1. Mexico City, Mexico
According to the study, Mexican drivers spend a whopping 59 percent more time driving on the roads on any given journey. In fact, during their cruel rush hours, 59 percent spikes up to 97 percent, torturing commuters and drivers with extra 219 hours of travel time annually.
2. Bangkok, Thailand
The capital city of the “Land of Smiles” ranks second on the list. Thai drivers spent 114 percent increase in travel time on the night and 85 percent in the morning. In layman’s terms, drivers and commuters waste an additional 61 minutes every day just to deal with monstrous traffic jams.
3. Istanbul, Turkey
Turkish traffic jams are seemingly typical; drivers remain on the wheel and expect a 94-percent increase in their travel time. Every year, a Turkish resident wastes 178 hours every year spent in traffic jams.
4. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
This exquisite coastal city that hosted the 2016 Olympics is not spared from congestions and traffic gridlocks. The city’s overall congestion rate is an outstanding 47 percent, meaning, commuters and drivers’ journeys are delayed by 43 minutes.
5. Moscow, Russia
Despite traffic levels progressing by 6 percent compared with last year, the Russian capital still is throned at the fifth spot on the list. At any time, drivers expect 44-percent increase in travel time and 91 percent during rush hours.
6. Bucharest, Romania
Whether in a morning or evening peak time, Romanians foresee their travel time increasing by 83 percent and 87 percent, respectively.
7. Salvador, Brazil
Brazilian drivers and commuters in Salvador allocate 74 percent extra time traveling to their destinations. Meaning, they have to spend an additional 160 hours every year.
8. Recife, Brazil
The bustling city of Recife, located at the northeastern Brazilian state of Pernambuco, does experience heavy traffic chaos. During the evening rush hour, commuters and drivers suffer a grueling 75-percent increase in their travel times.
9. Chengdu, China
Chengdu, one of the cosmopolitan cities in China, failed to upgrade its traffic situation, experiencing a 5-percent increase in last year’s total congestion percentage of 36 percent.
10. Los Angeles, California
Yes, it’s the place where Hollywood shines—Los Angeles has one of the worst traffic bottlenecks in the US. Californian drivers and passengers are compelled to spend 43 minutes embroiled in traffic every day, or 164 hours every year. Gianna Francesca Catolico