The Cities With The Worst Commutes

Summarizing the results from the 2006 Commuting in America report, Forbes profiles the top ten cities with the worst commute.

1 minute read

December 27, 2006, 6:00 AM PST

By Christian Madera @http://www.twitter.com/cpmadera


"As cities sprawl, commuting in America just keeps getting worse.

The average travel time to work in the U.S. is growing steadily. From 1980 to 1990, it increased 40 seconds, from 21.7 minutes to 22.4 minutes for a one-way trip. In the next decade it increased by about three minutes to 25.5, according to Commuting in America by Alan Pisarski, a 2006 study published by the Transportation Research Board.

Even more worrisome trends are emerging in major urban areas. Back in 1990, only in New York state did more than 10% of workers travel over 60 minutes to get to work. By 2000, New Jersey, Maryland and Illinois had acquired the same dubious distinction, and California was coming close."

Tuesday, December 19, 2006 in Forbes

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

September 16, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

Geese flock to a frozen pond in Aurora, Colorado. There are houses in the background.

Colorado’s Largest Data Center Could Rise Next to Homes — Without a Public Hearing

The proposed campus would consume 11 times the power of Denver International Airport; as it has across the country, opposition mounts.

September 17, 2026 - Capital & Main

The Hoover Dam blocking the Colorado River. The river's water level is noticeably low. The cliffs surrounding the blue water are brown and jagged.

US to reduce Colorado River water deliveries to Mexico

A new Colorado Treaty amendment reduces Mexico’s Colorado River water allocation by 250,000 acre feet.

September 11, 2026 - The Arizona Republic

A busy highway in Richmond, with construction and the city visible in the background.

'This is going to be painful:’ Virginia stares down $1.7 billion funding gap for highway maintenance

The state may address the deficit by shifting $290 million from its construction budget to maintenance projects.

4 hours ago - The Virginia Mercury

The Gross Reservoir, a large body of water surrounded by trees and mountains.

Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion

Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.

September 18 - Inside Climate News

Passengers board an Amtrak train under a cloudy sky.

Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement

The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.

September 18 - Mass Transit