Congestion Woes Cost Americans Hours and Billions
FOR IMMEDIATE PUBLICATION
Texas A&M’s 2011 Urban Mobility Report The Texas Transportation Institute recently released a report predicting an increase in the annual cost of gridlock to $133 Billion by 2015
New York, New York – October, 2011 -
Though urbanization and the increasing density of downtown areas heralds a number of positive factors such as economic productivity and creative growth, it has one rather large downside: dramatically increasing traffic congestion.
According to the 2011 Urban Mobility Reportreport, released by Texas A&M, traffic congestion is worsening in a number of areas, including an ever expanding ‘rush-hour’, which now encompasses mid-day and overnight hours. In addition to personal costs in time, increasing congestion also takes an economic toll–to the current tune of $100 billion, annually.
Though the recent economic downturn and unemployment have slowed increases in congestion, levels are set to explode by 2015.
Many car-owners and commuters in New York City are feeling the squeeze.
Michael, who requested that we not use his last name, recently sold his Acura. “Between rising gas prices, the monthly cost of a garage and the time spent sitting motionless–even at green lights–just became too much, I had to get out.”
Get out he did, but the problem then becomes: to where?
Though New York City has some of the best public transit in the world, a notable cure for most congestion issues, even this system is under strain from large increases in ridership. The Times Square Station alone saw more than 58 million riders annually in 2010.
We caught up with John L., a Brooklynite who lives in East Williamsburg: “Anywhere from 8am to 10am getting on the L-Train is a challenge–sometimes you see back to back trains packed to the brim with people, it feels a little like Tokyo.”
Many businesses are moving in to help alleviate these problems.
Niko Klansek, CEO and Founder of FlyKly Electric Bicycles thinks the future is bright, despite the current problems.
“Products like our FlyKly are allowing commuters to get where they’re going and have a great time doing it.” He added, “Every problem is just a situation asking for a solution–our bikes are that solution.”
Contact:
FlyKly
447 Broadway, 2nd floor
New York, NY 10013
Ph: 1-888-777-9095
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