Traffic in Charleston
Charleston, SC, predominantly relies on cars for commuting, with a significant 90% of residents using this mode of transport.Despite the heavy reliance on cars, Charleston faces challenges with CO2 emissions and traffic inefficiencies, highlighting areas for potential improvement.Average Commute Times
The average commute involves 28.55 minutes of driving, with minimal time spent on other modes.
- Car - Car commuters spend about 30.67 minutes driving, covering an average distance of 22.25 miles.
- Walking - Walking commutes average 10 minutes, typically covering a distance of 5 miles.
Traffic Breakdown
Traffic Data
Overall average travel
Average when primarily using Car
Average when primarily using Walking
More Information
Seasonal Trends
Traffic tends to increase during the summer months due to tourism, leading to longer commute times.
Winter months see a slight decrease in traffic as tourism wanes.
Commuter Pain Points
High car dependency leads to frequent traffic jams, especially during peak hours.
Limited public transportation options restrict commuting flexibility.
Best Travel Times
Early mornings before 7 AM and late evenings after 7 PM are the best times to avoid heavy traffic.
Midday travel is also less congested compared to peak hours.
Event Impacts
Major events like the Spoleto Festival USA significantly increase traffic congestion.
Local sports events and parades can also lead to temporary road closures and detours.
Sustainability Efforts
Charleston is exploring initiatives to expand bike lanes and pedestrian pathways to reduce car dependency.
Efforts to improve public transportation infrastructure are underway to offer more sustainable commuting options.
Ride-Sharing Impact
Ride-sharing services have helped reduce the number of cars on the road, slightly easing congestion.
These services provide an alternative to car ownership, particularly for younger residents.
