Traffic Summary for Denver
Denver's traffic landscape in 2024 is dominated by car usage, with over 81% of commuters relying on personal vehicles. Despite the high car dependency, efforts to promote walking and public transport are evident, with walking accounting for over 6% of commutes.
Average Commute Times
- Bus - Bus commuters spend about 24.7 minutes on the bus, with additional waiting and walking time.
- Car - Car commuters drive for about 35.7 minutes, covering a distance of 28.4 km.
- Train - Train commuters spend around 27 minutes on the train, with additional time for waiting and walking.
- Walking - Walking commutes average 20 minutes, covering nearly 8 km.
Traffic Breakdown
Seasonal Trends
Winter months see increased traffic delays due to snow and icy conditions. Summer festivals and events can lead to temporary spikes in traffic congestion.
Commuter Pain Points
High car dependency leads to frequent traffic jams, especially during rush hours. Limited public transport options can make commuting challenging for non-drivers.
Best Travel Times
Early mornings before 7 AM and late evenings after 7 PM are the best times to avoid traffic. Midday travel is generally smoother compared to peak rush hours.
Event Impacts
Major events at the Denver Convention Center often result in increased downtown traffic. Sporting events at Coors Field and Empower Field can cause localized congestion.
Sustainability Efforts
Denver is investing in bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure to encourage eco-friendly commuting. Public campaigns are underway to promote carpooling and the use of public transport.
Ride-Sharing Impact
Ride-sharing services have reduced the need for personal car ownership among younger residents. These services contribute to traffic but also offer flexible commuting options.
Traffic Rankings
Denver ranks 22nd on the Traffic rankings in United States. The Traffic Index for the United States combines user-contributed data on commute times, traffic dissatisfaction, CO2 emissions, and traffic system inefficiencies in United States, to provide insights into overall traffic conditions.
Traffic Data
Overall average travel
Average when primarily using Bus
Average when primarily using Car
Average when primarily using Train
Average when primarily using Walking
"Key Takeaways"
Promoting alternative transportation methods could significantly reduce CO2 emissions.
Improving public transport infrastructure may help decrease commute times and inefficiencies.
Key Indexes
EmissionsDenver's CO2 emissions index is notably high at 8505.35, reflecting the city's heavy reliance on cars.
Efforts to reduce emissions are crucial as the city continues to grow.
TimeThe average time index of 35.9 minutes indicates moderate traffic delays.
Commuters face significant time losses, especially during peak hours.
InefficiencyThe inefficiency index stands at 221.99, highlighting areas for improvement in traffic flow.
Reducing car dependency could alleviate some inefficiencies.