San Diego traffic worse than it's ever been? (Chula Vista, Escondido: lease, home)

[Calisonn]

Has anyone noticed the difference?

As economy booms, San Diego's traffic congestion worsens - LA Times

[RosieSD]

I read the same article. To me, it seemed like the LA Times just wanted to brag about how LA traffic hasn't worsened as much.

In answer to your question, I have not noticed a noticeable worsening of traffic in San Diego in the last year. I think no one would dispute, however, that it is definitely worse than it was 10 years ago.

But, that's also true for many other cities, including your hometown of Seattle.

[aewan68]

Originally Posted by Calisonn

Has anyone noticed the difference?

As economy booms, San Diego's traffic congestion worsens - LA Times

Only been here 2 years, personally compared to where I moved from (South Florida) and lived prior to that (Atlanta and elsewhere) the traffic here isn't that bad and lucky for me I'm devoid of much of it where I live in North County and commute close to work. I now know the areas and times when traffic get's heavy. Always when I get on the 5 off of Leucadia in Encinitas and go south it's crawling till after Del Mar, seems on the weekends that's the norm but it's moving, not total gridlock.

[GSR13]

Originally Posted by Angeles Forest Ranger

Obiviously traffic is going to get worse as the years go by. This is happening all over the country. It’s nothing unique to San Diego. I’m basing off experience from watching Orange County and Inland Empire become a traffic nightmare on weekdays.

Not if there's widespread telecommuting.

[malcorub16]

Originally Posted by GSR13

Not if there's widespread telecommuting.

Agreed, I also think folks that don't need to be at work at 8AM-830AM should maybe consider working earlier or later, this helps alleviate traffic. Hopefully telecommuting and off peak hours becomes more common as the older generation retires.

[CNYC]

11am-3pm , then after 7pm on weekdays. Otherwise traffic.

[expatCA]

Originally Posted by Angeles Forest Ranger

Obiviously traffic is going to get worse as the years go by. This is happening all over the country. It’s nothing unique to San Diego. I’m basing off experience from watching Orange County and Inland Empire become a traffic nightmare on weekdays.

More people equals more traffic. No getting around it as even "mass" transit will not fix it, even if a viable plan is put together, as it takes a lot of money and time to get such up and running.

[GSR13]

Originally Posted by malcorub16

Agreed, I also think folks that don't need to be at work at 8AM-830AM should maybe consider working earlier or later, this helps alleviate traffic. Hopefully telecommuting and off peak hours becomes more common as the older generation retires.

One thing that I also think is going to increase is folks working 2-3 days/week from home and the rest in the office.

[eastcoastbias]

The traffic here is all about perspective.


If you work from home or have lived in LA/Orange Co. you probably wonder why people are concerned about it. Traffic isn't bad if you are sitting at home on your computer doing business and getting your errands done at 10am.
If you live in Chula Vista and commute to Carlsbad or Escondido to DT its another story. If you frequent the 805 same thing. In recent years I've noticed rush hour starting sooner on many highways like 3:00-4:00.


The city is getting bigger but the city can deal with issues better as well. I've posted about this issue before and I think SD has some tough interchanges that were probably built at the time where the city did not account for population sprawl in certain areas. The lack of a true grid hurts, you can avoid highways in many cities- not really the case here. Public transportation is poor. Minor fender benders that turn into an hour of a blocked lane. Lots of tourists/newbies slowing the flow of traffic. Construction, before it was the 15, now its Mission Valley off of 163 by Fashion Valley Mall (right around the holidays!!! go figure).


It was an issue for me for 5-6 years, until I moved closer to work and was fortunate enough to have a flex schedule. If you are moving here and not accustomed to traffic or don't like to deal with- MOVE NEAR your job. #1 piece of advice I can give to the where should I move crowd.

[hitman619]

Originally Posted by malcorub16

Agreed, I also think folks that don't need to be at work at 8AM-830AM should maybe consider working earlier or later, this helps alleviate traffic. Hopefully telecommuting and off peak hours becomes more common as the older generation retires.

You hit on to something here
I have at lease 6 coworkers that arrive 1 to 1 1/2 hours early to work every day( their shift doesn't start till 8:30 or 9)
I often think, What if those people stayed off the road till it was time to come to work and how many people arrive to work early to just sit around till their shift starts
If they stay off the road it would make traffic better for everyone.