San Juan, the vibrant capital of Puerto Rico, relies heavily on cars for commuting, with a significant 87% of residents using them as their primary mode of transportation.
Despite the predominance of car usage, the city faces challenges with traffic inefficiency and high CO2 emissions, indicating a need for sustainable transportation solutions.
The average commute time in San Juan is approximately 34.45 minutes, with most of this time spent driving.
Traffic congestion tends to increase during the tourist season, particularly in the winter months.
Rainy seasons can also exacerbate traffic delays due to poor road conditions.
Limited public transportation options make car travel almost a necessity, contributing to congestion.
Frequent traffic jams during peak hours lead to longer commute times and frustration.
Commuters are advised to travel before 7 AM or after 7 PM to avoid peak traffic hours.
Midday travel between 11 AM and 2 PM is generally less congested.
Public events and festivals in San Juan can significantly impact traffic, often requiring road closures and detours.
Major events like the San Sebastian Street Festival see a surge in both pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
San Juan is exploring initiatives to expand its public transportation network to reduce car dependency.
Efforts are underway to promote cycling and walking through the development of dedicated lanes and pedestrian-friendly areas.
Ride-sharing services have gained popularity, offering a flexible alternative to car ownership.
These services help reduce the number of vehicles on the road, potentially easing congestion during peak times.