In 2024, Harare's transportation landscape is dominated by car usage, with a significant portion of the population relying on this mode for their daily commutes. Despite the heavy reliance on cars, there is a notable presence of bus commuters, highlighting the importance of public transport in the city.

Average Commute Times

The average commute time in Harare is approximately 31 minutes, with most of this time spent driving.
  • Bus - Bus commuters spend about 18.5 minutes waiting and 21.5 minutes traveling, totaling a commute time of 40 minutes.
  • Car - Car users experience a relatively quick commute, with an average driving time of 28 minutes.
Traffic Breakdown
Car
83%
Bus
17%
Seasonal Trends

Traffic congestion tends to increase during the rainy season, as road conditions can become challenging. Holiday periods often see reduced traffic as many residents travel out of the city.

Commuter Pain Points

Long waiting times for buses can be frustrating for commuters relying on public transport. Traffic congestion during peak hours leads to extended commute times for car users.

Best Travel Times

Traveling outside of peak morning and evening hours can significantly reduce commute times. Midday and late evening are generally the best times to avoid heavy traffic.

Event Impacts

Public events, such as sports matches and concerts, can lead to temporary spikes in traffic congestion. Planning routes in advance during major events can help avoid delays.

Sustainability Efforts

Harare is exploring initiatives to expand its public transportation network to reduce reliance on cars. Efforts to promote cycling and walking are being considered to enhance sustainable commuting options.

Ride-Sharing Impact

Ride-sharing services are gaining popularity, offering flexible and convenient alternatives to traditional commuting. These services help reduce the number of cars on the road, potentially easing traffic congestion.

Traffic Data

The following traffic data has been gathered from 12 user contributions.
Overall average travel
Distance
10.3 miles
Walking
1.0 mins
Waiting
3.1 mins
Driving Car
23.3 mins
Bus / Trolley
3.6 mins
Total:
31.0 mins
Average when primarily using Bus
Distance
10.3 miles
Walking
5.0 mins
Waiting
18.5 mins
Bus / Trolley
21.5 mins
Total:
45.0 mins
Average when primarily using Car
Distance
10.3 miles
Walking
0.2 mins
Driving Car
28.0 mins
Total:
28.2 mins
Harare Traffic

"Key Takeaways"

Promoting public transportation and alternative commuting methods could help reduce CO2 emissions and traffic inefficiencies.

Investing in infrastructure improvements may alleviate traffic congestion and improve overall commute times.

Key Indexes

Emissions

Harare's CO2 emissions index is notably high at 6350, indicating significant environmental impact from transportation.

Efforts to reduce emissions could focus on promoting alternative transportation methods.

Time

The time index of 31 suggests moderate delays during peak hours.

Improving traffic flow could reduce commute times and enhance efficiency.

Inefficiency

The inefficiency index stands at 127.82, pointing to potential areas for improvement in traffic management.

Addressing inefficiencies could lead to smoother commutes and reduced congestion.

Harare

Nearby Cities

We don't have any relevant "Quality of life" data on cities with a 200 mile radius of Harare
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