TRIP study shows high cost of traffic congestion across PA
Traffic congestion costs motorists in some parts of Pennsylvania more than $2,900 per year in wasted time and fuel, according to a new report issued by TRIP, a national transportation research organization.
For the second time this month, TRIP released data demonstrating that the condition of the state’s highway system is costing drivers a significant sum of money – more than it would cost to address the transportation funding problem.
This time, TRIP identified the most congested corridors in five regions of the state: Harrisburg/Lancaster/York, Lehigh Valley/Reading, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
The costs are highest in Pittsburgh and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, the report said, coming in at more than $2,900 per year. Lehigh Valley/Reading drivers are snagged for more than $2,600 per year, Philly for $2,300 and Harrisburg for $2,000.
“Increasing congestion is robbing commuters of time and money at a time when many can ill afford it,” said PHIA Managing Director Jason Wagner. “Without a significant investment in Pennsylvania’s transportation system, drivers will continue to waste time and fuel, businesses will lose their competitive edge, and quality of life will be diminished.”
TRIP’s Frank Moretti presented the report at a well attended Harrisburg news conference. Also on hand to stress the importance of a sound transportation system to the region’s business community was David Black, president of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber of Commerce.
TRIP’s data comes at a time when the General Assembly is considering a measure that would reduce Pennsylvania’s transportation funding gap – now around $4 billion per year – by $2.5 billion.
To view the regional reports, click here.
