Traffic Summary for Madison
Madison, WI, predominantly relies on cars for commuting, with a significant portion of the population also using bicycles. The city's traffic data for 2024 highlights key areas for improvement in public transportation and emissions reduction.
Average Commute Times
- Bus - Bus commuters spend about 30 minutes traveling over a distance of 6.44 miles.
- Car - Car commuters typically drive for 27.12 minutes, covering a distance of 23.85 miles.
- Walking - Walking commutes average 25 minutes, with a distance of 5 miles.
Traffic Breakdown
Seasonal Trends
Traffic tends to increase during the winter months due to adverse weather conditions affecting road safety. Summer months see a rise in bicycle usage, reducing car traffic slightly.
Commuter Pain Points
Limited public transportation options lead to high car dependency. Traffic congestion during peak hours increases commute times significantly.
Best Travel Times
Traveling before 7 AM or after 7 PM can help avoid peak traffic congestion. Midday travel between 11 AM and 2 PM is generally smoother with less traffic.
Event Impacts
Public events, especially around the University of Wisconsin, can cause significant traffic disruptions. Sporting events and festivals often lead to temporary road closures and increased congestion.
Sustainability Efforts
Madison is investing in bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure to promote sustainable commuting. The city is exploring electric bus options to reduce public transport emissions.
Ride-Sharing Impact
Ride-sharing services have helped reduce the number of cars on the road, particularly during peak hours. These services offer flexible commuting options, complementing public transport in less accessible areas.
Traffic Rankings
Madison ranks 37th on the Traffic rankings in United States. 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"
Enhancing public transportation options could reduce car dependency and lower CO2 emissions.
Promoting cycling and walking can further improve air quality and reduce traffic congestion.
Key Indexes
EmissionsMadison's CO2 emissions index is relatively high at 6051.6, indicating a need for greener commuting options.
The reliance on cars contributes significantly to the city's emissions.
TimeThe average time index of 27.33 suggests moderate traffic delays during peak hours.
Commuters experience an inefficiency index of 134.56, pointing to potential improvements in traffic flow.
InefficiencyTraffic inefficiency is notable, with an index of 134.56, highlighting areas for optimization.
Improving public transport could reduce inefficiencies and enhance commuter experiences.