Traffic Summary for Cambridge
Cambridge, MA, known for its vibrant academic community, showcases a unique transportation landscape with a strong emphasis on cycling and walking. In 2024, the city continues to prioritize sustainable commuting options, with bicycles and walking being the most popular modes of transport.
Average Commute Times
- Bus - Bus commuters spend around 20 minutes on their journey, covering an average distance of 3.22 km.
- Car - Car users experience a longer commute time of 40 minutes, traveling an average distance of 8.05 km.
- Walking - Walking is a popular choice, with an average commute time of 20 minutes for a distance of 2.11 km.
Traffic Breakdown
Seasonal Trends
Traffic tends to increase during the academic year, with more students and faculty commuting. Winter months see a slight decline in cycling, with more people opting for public transport.
Commuter Pain Points
Car commuters face longer travel times and potential congestion during peak hours. Limited bus routes can lead to longer waiting times for public transport users.
Best Travel Times
Early mornings and late evenings are the best times to avoid traffic congestion. Cyclists and pedestrians benefit from less crowded paths during mid-morning hours.
Event Impacts
Public events at universities can lead to temporary spikes in traffic, particularly around campus areas. Festivals and parades may cause road closures, impacting car and bus routes.
Sustainability Efforts
Cambridge is investing in expanding bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly zones to encourage eco-friendly commuting. The city is exploring electric bus options to further reduce its carbon footprint.
Ride-Sharing Impact
Ride-sharing services have helped reduce the number of cars on the road, contributing to lower congestion levels. These services offer flexible commuting options, particularly for those without access to personal vehicles.
Traffic Rankings
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 Walking
"Key Takeaways"
Promoting cycling and walking has effectively reduced commute times and emissions in Cambridge.
Enhancing public transport infrastructure could further decrease traffic inefficiencies.
Key Indexes
EmissionsCambridge's CO2 emissions index stands at 1634.29, reflecting the city's efforts to maintain a balance between urban activity and environmental impact.
The high percentage of cyclists and pedestrians contributes to a relatively moderate emissions level.
TimeThe average time index is 23.86, indicating efficient travel times for most commuters.
Cycling and walking help reduce overall travel time, making them favorable options.
InefficiencyThe inefficiency index is 58.26, suggesting room for improvement in traffic management, particularly for car users.
Efforts to enhance public transport could alleviate inefficiencies.