Traffic in Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor's transportation landscape in 2024 is dominated by car usage, with a significant portion of the population relying on buses as well.
Despite the heavy reliance on cars, the city is making strides in promoting alternative modes of transport such as walking and cycling.
Average Commute Times
The average commute involves 1.46 minutes of waiting and 20.83 minutes of driving, covering a distance of 21.75 km.
- Bus - Bus commuters spend about 7 minutes waiting and 17 minutes on the bus, with a total walking time of 7.2 minutes.
- Car - Car users experience a driving time of 29.41 minutes with minimal walking, covering nearly 28.78 km.
- Walking - Walking commutes average 7 minutes, covering a distance of 0.80 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
Traffic tends to increase during the fall as students return to the University of Michigan.
Winter months see a shift towards more car usage due to cold weather conditions.
Commuter Pain Points
Bus commuters face long waiting times, impacting overall travel efficiency.
Car traffic congestion is a common issue during peak hours, leading to delays.
Best Travel Times
Early mornings before 7 AM and late evenings after 7 PM are ideal for avoiding peak traffic.
Midday travel between 10 AM and 3 PM is generally smoother for both car and bus commuters.
Event Impacts
Football games at the University of Michigan significantly increase traffic congestion on game days.
Local festivals and events in downtown Ann Arbor can lead to temporary road closures and detours.
Sustainability Efforts
Ann Arbor is expanding its network of bike lanes to encourage cycling as a primary mode of transport.
The city is investing in electric buses to reduce emissions from public transport.
Ride-Sharing Impact
Ride-sharing services have reduced the need for personal car ownership among younger residents.
These services help alleviate parking demand in downtown areas, though they can contribute to traffic during peak times.
