Workers who have returned to in-person jobs are still experiencing less traffic congestion than in 2019.
Writing in Axios, Nick Halter and Alex Fitzpatrick note that commuters in the Twin Cities are still seeing lower commute times than in 2019, signaling a benefit of remote work and other adjustments for all workers.
The data is reflected in traffic, too: “In 2019, 24.4% of the metro freeway system was congested; in 2022 that number was only 13.7%, according to a MnDOT report.”
According to the article, “Another state report found that just a 4% drop in vehicle miles traveled during peak times can cause a 35% decrease in congestion. In other words, just a small number of remote workers staying home during rush hour has a big impact.”
FULL STORY: Commuting is still quicker for most workers in the Twin Cities
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UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
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Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research