Austin traffic as compared to LA, Chicago?

[centralaustinite]

Originally Posted by gotztogo

Again, from what I understand, this is possible if you have a primarily east/west commute. Anything that requires a north/south pass through -- are there viable options to i-35 & mopac?

Not really. Many fewer options for Mopac than I35.

[10scoachrick]

Originally Posted by gotztogo

And this is a bit off-topic, but the drive from San Marcos to the center of Austin is 35 mins (I'm guessing without traffic.) Is this also part of the heavy-congested zone, or only once you get into the loop area?

We've got some things called "Loop"; but we ain't got no loop around Austin.

[A-Tex]

Originally Posted by gotztogo

Again, from what I understand, this is possible if you have a primarily east/west commute. Anything that requires a north/south pass through -- are there viable options to i-35 & mopac?

Tell that to the people sitting on a road like 2222 in the morning or evening.

[gtrbarbarian]

For N-S , Lamar, or Cameron to 45th to Red River depending on where you are....

I'm looking at moving back to Austin...I left due to these very problems. Austin has this "progressive" image...but in Denver where I grew up and currently reside, they have had light rail for almost 20 years (with 80k+ daily boardings). I can't believe that Austin light rail (the rail that goes no where useful and used to not run on nights or weekends) hasn't gathered more steam and voter support. You can read Cap Metro's 2013 planning doc...highlights include completion of the new website, as well as getting wifi on every bus...and "creating a plan for the future of rail...no formal plan exists". What?!?

This is government and voters combined straight up ignoring the writing on the wall.....

[Novacek]

Originally Posted by gtrbarbarian

I can't believe that Austin light rail (the rail that goes no where useful and used to not run on nights or weekends)

There's your confusion. That isn't light rail, it's commuter rail.

[Tralfaz]

71 east of Austin is pretty good until you hit the toll road/airport fustercluck. I'll enjoy it until more folks discover Bastrop County

[CptnRn]

Originally Posted by gotztogo

And this is a bit off-topic, but the drive from San Marcos to the center of Austin is 35 mins (I'm guessing without traffic.) Is this also part of the heavy-congested zone, or only once you get into the loop area?

Yes, IH-35 is one of the worst heavy traffic highways.

[sharmet]

Originally Posted by TerryDactyls

Rush hour traffic in Austin has been on several top 10 lists of worst traffic congestions and even higher than LA on some. Although it is much worse than 20 years ago, I am also comparing it to Washington, D.C. where I lived before coming here. Traffic is approaching the I-95 Southbound traffic coming out of D.C. And with the influx of people and the lack of infrastructure planning, it will only get worse.

I'm curious what data these lists use. There is absolutely no comparison. I was recently back inthe LA area (I grew up there) for the holidays. It was unbearable, crawling traffic for over 60 miles. The 210, 60, 91, and 15 were bumper to bumper from 2pm to 8pm when we finally reached our destination. Not once living in Austin was I ever caught in more than an hour of traffic, and that was in the downtown area.

I don't understand how you could put Austin in the same traffic league as LA or Chicago. Honestly, it seems worse here in Sacramento than it did in Austin.

[scm53]

Originally Posted by sharmet

I'm curious what data these lists use.

I don't understand how you could put Austin in the same traffic league as LA or Chicago. Honestly, it seems worse here in Sacramento than it did in Austin.

Novacek did a nice job explaining the "congestion" methodology. It heavily penalizes a route that has a large delta between free flowing, and congested - while not considering the total time spent in congestion.