Traffic in Halifax
In 2024, Halifax's transportation landscape is dominated by car usage, with over half of the population commuting by car.
Public transportation, particularly buses, plays a significant role, while walking remains a popular choice for short distances.
Average Commute Times
The average commute involves 2.61 minutes waiting, 13.96 minutes driving, and covers a distance of 16.52 km.
- Bus - Bus commuters spend approximately 8.69 minutes waiting and 29.77 minutes on the bus, covering 12.98 km.
- Car - Car users experience a driving time of 23.59 minutes with minimal walking, covering 17.44 km.
- Walking - Walking commutes average 15.8 minutes with an additional 7 minutes on the bus, covering 3.54 km.
Traffic Breakdown
Traffic Data
Overall average travel
Average when primarily using Bus
Average when primarily using Car
Average when primarily using Walking
More Information
Seasonal Trends
Winter months see increased car usage due to harsh weather conditions, impacting public transport reliability.
Summer brings more tourists, leading to higher traffic volumes in downtown areas.
Commuter Pain Points
Long wait times for buses during peak hours frustrate commuters.
Limited cycling lanes and pedestrian paths restrict non-motorized transport options.
Best Travel Times
Early mornings before 7 AM and late evenings after 7 PM are ideal for avoiding traffic congestion.
Midday travel is generally smoother, with fewer delays on public transport.
Event Impacts
Public events at the Halifax Convention Centre significantly increase downtown traffic.
Sporting events at Scotiabank Centre lead to temporary road closures and detours.
Sustainability Efforts
Halifax is expanding its bus fleet with electric buses to reduce emissions.
The city is promoting carpooling and ride-sharing to decrease individual car usage.
Ride-Sharing Impact
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft have reduced the need for personal car ownership.
These services provide flexible transport options, especially during late-night hours.
