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Better Cities Project
  • Home
  • About Us
    Our Vision
    BCP’s vision is that free-market municipal policy solutions are broadly available, widely acceptable, and regularly employed, enabling American cities to achieve their full potential as engines of economic prosperity. We reject the idea that cities are lost to free-market principles or policies.
    Our Mission
    BCP uncovers ideas that work, promotes realistic solutions, and forges partnerships that help people in America’s largest cities live free and happy lives.
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    • Collaboration and Careers -- Work With BCP
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    Address

    304 S. Jones Blvd #2826
    Las Vegas NV 89107

    Phone

    (702) 608-2046‬

    Hours

    Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

    Email

    info@better-cities.org

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Home Transportation and Infrastructure

Americans’ time spent commuting is on the rise

Growing commute times is not just an inconvenience but a symptom of deeper issues within our urban planning and public policy frameworks

Patrick TuoheybyPatrick Tuohey
June 12, 2024
in Community, Growth and Housing, Transportation and Infrastructure
Reading Time: 2 mins read
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Americans’ time spent commuting is on the rise
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Recent reports indicate that American workers are facing increasingly longer commutes, a trend highlighted by The Wall Street Journal. The average commute time has risen, particularly in major metropolitan areas. This development is not just an inconvenience but a symptom of deeper issues within our urban planning and public policy frameworks.

Longer commutes are often a direct consequence of rising housing costs. As housing prices escalate in city centers, workers are forced to move further away to find affordable options. This phenomenon is particularly acute in cities with restrictive zoning laws that limit the availability of affordable housing. To mitigate this, urban planners and policymakers must prioritize the development of high-density, affordable housing within urban cores. Revising zoning laws to encourage the construction of multi-family units can make housing more accessible and reduce the need for lengthy commutes.

Public transportation infrastructure—or the lack thereof—plays a significant role in commute times. Many cities in the U.S. have inadequate public transit systems, leaving workers reliant on cars. Investing in reliable, extensive public transportation can offer a viable alternative to driving and help reduce commute times. Federal and state support for expanding and modernizing public transit could have a profound impact.

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Employers also have a part to play in addressing this issue. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the viability of remote work and flexible schedules. Continuing these practices where possible can help alleviate peak traffic congestion and reduce overall commute times. Employers should consider adopting hybrid work models and flexible hours to support their employees’ well-being and productivity.

Moreover, the environmental impact of longer commutes cannot be ignored. Increased car travel leads to higher emissions, contributing to air pollution and climate change. Encouraging the use of public transit, carpooling, and other sustainable commuting options can help mitigate these effects.

The increasing commute times faced by American workers reflect broader systemic issues that require coordinated efforts to address. Promoting affordable housing, investing in public transportation and adopting flexible work practices can create more sustainable and livable cities. These changes are not just beneficial for reducing commute times but are essential for enhancing the overall quality of life for urban residents.

Tags: Housing AffordabilityTransitUrban Transportation
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Patrick Tuohey

Patrick Tuohey

Patrick Tuohey is co-founder and policy director of the Better Cities Project. He works with taxpayers, media, and policymakers to foster understanding of the consequences — sometimes unintended — of policies such as economic development, taxation, education, and transportation. He also serves as a senior fellow at Missouri's Show-Me Institute and a visiting fellow at the Virginia-based Yorktown Foundation for Public Policy.

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