While many of us see commuting as a necessary evil, a new report by Lyft reveals that some cities have managed to make the daily trip to and from work more bearable – with Columbus, Ohio, ranking as the best city for commuters. From faster travel times to lower costs and cleaner environmental footprints, several cities stand out for making commuting less stressful.
The analysis involved data from millions of rides, supplemented by public sources, and covered a range of factors commuters care about, including time, cost, consistency, and sustainability. Over 1,400 commuters were surveyed to understand their priorities.
Here are some of the highlights:
- Commute Time: For most commuters, time is the top priority. The average commute in the U.S. is 25 minutes, but cities like Columbus, Memphis, and Milwaukee offer some of the quickest rides, at around 22 minutes. Over a year, this saves commuters an additional 13 hours compared to cities with longer averages.
|
City |
Average Commute Time (minutes) |
| Columbus | 22 |
| Memphis | 22 |
| Milwaukee | 22 |
| U.S. Average | 25 |
| New York City | 35 |
| Los Angeles | 30 |
- Traffic and Speed: Fort Worth, Memphis, and Detroit were found to have the fastest commutes, with average speeds of over 27 mph during peak hours, which is 4 mph faster than the national average. This makes driving in these cities notably smoother than others.
- Congestion: Traffic congestion can make or break a commute. Columbus and Las Vegas performed best in this area, showing no increase in commute times during peak hours. In fact, travel speeds in these cities can be faster during rush hour than at other times of the day. This is a significant contrast to the national average, where commuting hours tend to slow travel speeds by 8%.
Cost of Commuting
Beyond time, the cost of commuting is a major concern. In the U.S., households spend an average of $12,295 annually on transportation, second only to housing costs. Factors like parking, fuel, and public transit fares contribute to this.
- Parking: Parking in major cities like New York can exceed $350 a month, but in more affordable locations such as Memphis, Columbus, and Houston, monthly parking fees can be as low as $40.
- Fuel: Commuters in cities like Albuquerque and Milwaukee benefit from the lowest fuel costs, estimated at $25 to $34 a month, while cities such as San Jose and San Diego see significantly higher fuel expenses, nearing $50.
- Public Transit: For those opting for public transit, costs vary widely. New York, unsurprisingly, has one of the highest monthly fare rates at $132, while smaller cities like Memphis and Albuquerque come in under $30. Albuquerque, notably, eliminated public transit fares entirely in 2023.
Greenest and Cleanest Commutes
Cities with strong infrastructure for biking, walking, or public transit not only reduce costs but also lower the environmental impact. San Francisco, with over 3% of its residents biking to work, leads the way in bike-friendliness, thanks to favorable weather and a well-developed biking infrastructure. Cities like El Paso and San Antonio, where around 9% of commuters carpool, also demonstrate significant efforts to reduce car usage.
On the public transit front, New York City stands out, with 43% of commuters relying on its 24-hour subway system. Other cities, such as Boston and San Francisco, also show lower reliance on private vehicles, which helps reduce emissions.
Downtown Vibrancy
Finally, the report takes a broader view of what makes a commute worthwhile by considering the vibrancy of downtown areas. Post-pandemic recovery in cities like Columbus and Baltimore has led to bustling downtowns, full of restaurants, bars, and shops that attract workers and encourage them to stay after hours. In cities like New York, Washington, D.C., and San Francisco, a significant portion of commuters head to bars or restaurants after work, enhancing the overall downtown experience.
Best Overall City for Commuters: Columbus, Ohio
Columbus emerged as the top city for commuters overall. It combined speedy, affordable commutes with a thriving downtown, making it an attractive city for both work and play. Unlike many cities where traffic slows down during peak hours, Columbus is unique in that commute times can actually improve during rush hours. According to the data, traffic in Columbus is 1.3% faster during commuting hours compared to non-peak times. This means drivers experience fewer delays and less congestion.
Columbus also has relatively low commuting costs:
- Parking: Monthly parking costs are around $40, which is far cheaper than cities like New York, where parking can exceed $350 per month.
- Fuel: The cost of fuel in Columbus is also low, with monthly fuel expenses estimated around $34, offering residents a more economical commute compared to other cities.
On top of that, Columbus’s downtown has bounced back after the pandemic, with levels of activity now exceeding pre-2019 figures. The presence of restaurants, shops, and green spaces makes the city center a vibrant destination for workers, enhancing the overall commuting experience.
Opinion: The Ideal Commute is Still a Work in Progress
While the report highlights cities making strides toward better commuting experiences, the reality is that for many Americans, commuting remains a daily struggle. The convenience of cities like Columbus and the affordability of Memphis are admirable, but not all cities have the resources or infrastructure to replicate these successes. Cities with the longest commute times, such as New York or Los Angeles, continue to grapple with congestion, despite strong public transportation systems.
Moreover, as remote and hybrid work continues to reshape the workforce, the importance of commuting may shift. For some, the idea of a commute may become a thing of the past, while for others, investments in public infrastructure will be more crucial than ever.
Ultimately, improving commuting experiences should be a priority for urban planners, transportation agencies, and policymakers. A smoother commute not only benefits individuals but also reduces environmental impacts and contributes to a healthier, more vibrant city life.