New TomTom research reveals shortcuts are actually "longcuts"

TomTom (TOM2), a global leader in traffic, today published its 4th annual global traffic index. The results revealed that shortcuts drivers take to avoid congestion are actually ‘longcuts’, adding 50% more travel time to journeys.

TomTom’s traffic data showed that traffic congestion on secondary roads is worse than main roads, and commuters around the world are spending, on average, eight working days a year stuck in traffic. This is creating a new set of challenges for local authorities looking for solutions to the increasing traffic problem.

“Traffic congestion is nothing new, and continues to be a global challenge. The traditional responses to congestion, such as building new roads or widening existing ones are no longer proving to be effective. Real-time traffic information can help drivers find the quickest shortcut on their journey, and assist governments to make smarter decisions to improve traffic flow for their cities,” said Harold Goddijn, CEO of TomTom.

The Traffic Index is the only global measurement of traffic congestion comparing travel times during non-congested hours with travel times in peak hours experienced by passenger vehicles. The Index takes into account both local roads and highways. The top ten most congested cities ranked by overall Congestion level in 2013 were:

1. Moscow: 74%
2. Istanbul: 62%
3. Rio de Janeiro: 55%
4. Mexico City: 54%
5. São Paulo: 46%
6. Palermo: 39%
7. Warsaw: 39%
8. Rome: 37%
9. Los Angeles: 36%
10. Dublin: 35%