Traffic in Pittsburgh
In 2024, Pittsburgh's transportation landscape is dominated by car usage, with 72.5% of commuters opting for this mode.
Public transportation, including buses and trams, plays a significant role, though walking and cycling remain less popular.
Average Commute Times
The average commute time in Pittsburgh is approximately 37.08 minutes, with most of this time spent driving.
- Bus - Bus commuters spend about 29.17 minutes on the bus, with additional time walking and waiting.
- Car - Car commuters experience an average driving time of 36.66 minutes, covering a distance of 27.69 km.
- Walking - Walking commutes average 9 minutes, covering a distance of nearly 1 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
Winter months often see increased traffic delays due to snow and ice, impacting commute times.
Summer festivals and events can lead to temporary spikes in traffic congestion, particularly in downtown areas.
Commuter Pain Points
Traffic congestion during peak hours remains a major issue for car commuters.
Limited public transport options in certain areas can lead to longer wait times and less convenience.
Best Travel Times
Commuters can avoid peak hour congestion by traveling before 7 AM or after 7 PM.
Midday travel between 10 AM and 3 PM generally experiences lighter traffic.
Event Impacts
Major sports events and concerts at venues like PPG Paints Arena can significantly increase traffic in surrounding areas.
Planning alternative routes during such events can help mitigate delays.
Sustainability Efforts
Pittsburgh is investing in green infrastructure projects to promote sustainable transportation.
The city is expanding its network of bike lanes and pedestrian pathways to encourage non-motorized commuting.
Ride-Sharing Impact
Ride-sharing services have helped reduce the number of private vehicles on the road, easing congestion slightly.
However, increased ride-sharing activity during peak times can still contribute to traffic bottlenecks.
