Traffic Summary for Missoula
In 2024, Missoula, MT, sees a predominant reliance on cars for commuting, with 88.89% of residents using this mode of transport. Public transportation, primarily buses, accounts for 11.11% of commutes, reflecting a modest yet significant role in the city's transportation landscape.
Average Commute Times
- Bus - Bus commuters spend about 9 minutes on the bus, with an additional minute walking to and from stops.
- Car - Car users experience an average driving time of 15.38 minutes, covering a distance of nearly 9.76 kilometers.
Traffic Breakdown
Seasonal Trends
Winter months often see increased traffic delays due to snow and ice, impacting both car and bus commutes. Summer tourism can lead to higher traffic volumes, particularly in downtown areas and near popular attractions.
Commuter Pain Points
Limited public transportation options can make commuting challenging for those without access to a car. Traffic congestion during peak hours can lead to delays, particularly on major roads and highways.
Best Travel Times
Traveling outside of peak hours, such as early morning or late evening, can help avoid congestion. Midday travel is often smoother, with less traffic on the roads and shorter wait times for buses.
Event Impacts
Public events, such as university games or festivals, can significantly increase traffic congestion in surrounding areas. Planning ahead and using public transport during events can help mitigate delays.
Sustainability Efforts
Missoula is investing in expanding its public transportation network to offer more sustainable commuting options. The city is also promoting cycling and walking through improved infrastructure and community programs.
Ride-Sharing Impact
Ride-sharing services have helped reduce the number of single-occupancy vehicles on the road. These services offer a flexible alternative to car ownership, particularly for short trips within the city.
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
"Key Takeaways"
Increasing the efficiency and appeal of public transportation could help reduce car dependency and emissions.
Promoting alternative commuting methods, such as cycling or walking, could further alleviate traffic congestion.
Key Indexes
EmissionsMissoula's CO2 emissions index is at 3675.33, indicating a high level of emissions primarily due to car usage.
Efforts to reduce emissions could focus on increasing public transport usage and encouraging carpooling.
TimeThe time index is 14.78, reflecting relatively short commute times, which is a positive aspect of Missoula's traffic situation.
Despite short commutes, peak hours can still lead to congestion, particularly for car users.
InefficiencyWith an inefficiency index of 49.33, there is room for improvement in Missoula's traffic management.
Enhancing public transport efficiency and reducing car dependency could mitigate traffic inefficiencies.