Traffic Survey Paints Picture of New York City Congestion

Through a survey of New York City taxis with GPS tracking devices, the city has created a database of speeds and routes that gives them a clear picture of the state of traffic in the city.

1 minute read

March 26, 2010, 6:00 AM PDT

By Nate Berg

"Traffic in Manhattan has a rhythm all its own, and, according to a new study by the city, it is not quite the constant gridlock that it seems.

Using data from the GPS devices in all New York City cabs, officials tracked the routes of tens of millions of taxi trips over the past two years. The result: a database of speeds and travel routes that can be broken down by minute, month and neighborhood.

'It's like an M.R.I.,' said Bruce Schaller, a deputy transportation commissioner who supervised the city's study."

The data offers officials a look at where traffic problems have been occurring, and when they're likely to occur. Transportation officials are already using the data to tweak traffic along one of the city main arteries, according to this piece from The New York Times.

FULL STORY: Gridlock May Not Be Constant, but Slow Going Is Here to Stay

Wednesday, March 24, 2010 in The New York Times

Government / Politics Technology Transportation New York Congestion New York City GPS Traffic Taxis Surveys View More

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 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 Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Learn More

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.