TomTom Traffic Index 2025

Global Traffic Trends - TomTom released its 14th edition of the Traffic Index, covering 500 cities across 62 countries on 6 continents, making it the most comprehensive analysis to date [2][3] - In 2024, 379 out of 500 cities (76%) experienced a decrease in average speed compared to 2023, primarily due to dynamic factors affecting congestion levels rather than changes in road infrastructure [4] - Static factors such as road network design, speed limits, and traffic light synchronization significantly influence travel times, while dynamic factors like peak-hour congestion, accidents, and weather conditions further impact traffic flow [6][7] City Rankings - Barranquilla, Colombia, had the lowest average speed in 2024 at 10.3 mph, taking nearly 35 minutes to complete a 6-mile journey [9] - Three Indian cities (Kolkata, Bengaluru, Pune) ranked among the top 5 slowest cities, with London being the first European city in the ranking at 5th place [9] - Mexico City had the highest congestion level at 52%, followed by Bangkok (50%) and Davao City (49%) [10] - Lima, Peru, and Dublin, Ireland, tied for the highest time lost due to rush-hour traffic at 150 hours per year, equivalent to almost a week's worth of time [12] Methodology and Insights - TomTom analyzed 458 billion miles driven in 2024, using floating car data to track traffic patterns and provide insights for urban planners and policymakers [14] - The company revised its methodology for defining city centers and metropolitan areas, using a hexagonal grid system to better reflect actual traffic conditions and enable standardized comparisons [16] - TomTom's data helps quantify travel demand, calculate time lost to congestion, and assess CO2 emissions in urban areas, supporting efforts to improve urban mobility and sustainability [15]