Twin Cities Commutes Faster Than Pre-Pandemic

Workers who have returned to in-person jobs are still experiencing less traffic congestion than in 2019.

1 minute read

October 27, 2023, 7:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


View of Minneapolis freeway with downtown skyline in background with light traffic at golden hour.

f11photo / Adobe Stock

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.”

Tuesday, October 24, 2023 in Axios

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