Cape Town is ranked as the seventh most congested city in the world. Last year it secured the ninth place which just two spots down from the recent place. The city has been positioned according to the 2024 INRIX Global Traffic Scorecard launched this year.
Reportedly, the commuters in the South African metropolis lost an average of 94 hours to traffic, last year. The city has out-spaced the other major cities such as Los Angeles where an average of 88 hours has been recorded. But it is still trailing behind Istanbul that holds the top spot at average of 105 hours.
The striking statistic underscores the mounting strain on infrastructure of Cape Town, as highlighted in the INRIX report. It is the by-product of economic activity and is a growing challenge for residents and like-minded businesses.
2024 INRIX Global Traffic Scorecard reports drew attention of all to a global trend, where increased traffic congestion correlates with the resurgence of workers returning to office environments post-pandemic.
As per INRIX, traffic congestion often serves as a barometer for the economic activities conducted by the City of Cape Town. The movement of people, goods and services is essential for economic vitality, when demand for road space outstrips the supply and congestion becomes inevitable.
Spokesperson of INRIX said that the traffic can also be seen as a barometer for the economy. “While it negatively impacts the productivity, it is also a symptom of economic activity that reflects the movement which fuels the growth of a city,” stated INRIX person.
The report also reveals the condition of the urban areas around the world that are grappling with rising transit use and has increased road travel by contributing to substantial economic costs.
However, these costs for South African legislative capital Cape Town are increasing apparently with the growing congestion of City of Cape Town, pointing to the urgent need for significant investment in transportation infrastructure.
Notably, 94 hours of wasted time per commuter was strain on the city’s road networks. It impacted the daily life and also hampered productivity. The increased congestion raised concerns about the long-term implications for the economy of the city, especially in light of rising population density and economic demands.
The recent placement of Cape Town in the ranking as one of the world’s most traffic-congested cities is a wake-up call for both policymakers and commuters. It is very clear that Cape Town must act swiftly to enhance its infrastructure with the rise of economic activity in the post-pandemic era. It should reduce congestion and ensure the long-term economic sustainability.