MANILA (Philippine Daily Inquirer) – In a rare instance of global recognition, Metro Manila has secured a noteworthy position, ranking first for the worst traffic congestion among 387 metropolitan areas in 2023.
The Philippines, often overshadowed in global rankings, sees this acknowledgment as undeniable, based on data provided by TomTom International BV, a multinational traffic data provider and location technology specialist.
According to TomTom, local motorists in Metro Manila spent an average travel time of 25 minutes and 30 seconds per 10 kilometres in 2023, indicating a 50-second increase from the previous record.
Particularly challenging were Fridays from 5 pm to 6 pm, with travel times extending to 35 minutes and 30 seconds per 10 kilometres.
To emphasise the impact of this congestion, Filipino drivers and commuters collectively spent approximately 240 hours on the road in 2023. A staggering 117 hours were trapped in traffic, almost five days spent contemplating taillights.
TomTom suggests that with this significant amount of time, one could have breezed through 48 books during the traffic-laden hours in the metro area.
The TomTom Traffic Index, which relies on floating car data collected globally, assesses and analyses traffic conditions using quasi-static factors like road infrastructure and speed limits, along with dynamic factors such as traffic congestion and flow changes.
This data-driven reality emphasises the severity of Metro Manila’s traffic situation, underscoring the need for officials to address and implement solutions promptly.
