This indicator is part of Viable street system.

Indicator description:                                                           

This indicator examines the long term trends (1995 vs. 2005) in travel delays caused by congestion during peak travel periods in Albuquerque and the peer cities. This is computed by comparing “free flow” conditions (60 mph on freeways and 35 mph on major roads) to conditions that exist during peak periods (6am to 9am and 4pm to 7pm). This is measured in two ways: total hours of delay per traveler and a travel time index, which computes the extra time required during peak conditions compared to free flow conditions. This indicator reflects the effectiveness of the street system. The better designed a street system is the better able it is to handle peak travel demands and reduce delays caused by those peak demands.

Why is this indicator relevant?

Fewer travel delays will result in more efficient travel, less fuel consumed, less air pollution, more efficient business services and government, and a less frustrated driving population. A well designed street system will minimize the impact on driving time during peak driving periods.

Data Sources:
The 2007 Urban Mobility Report, Schrank and Lomax, Texas Transportation Institute, Texas A& M University, 2007, based on the Federal Highway Administration’s Highway Performance Monitoring System database, augmented by state and local agencies.

What can we tell from the data?

• Albuquerque has the third highest hours of delay per traveler among the peer cities in 2005. However, Albuquerque’s increase over 1995 was only 3 hours (or 10%), the second best result of the seven cities.
• Despite significant population increases, Albuquerque’s travel time index increased by only .01 from 1995 to 2005 (less than 1%). This means that the distance traveled under free flow conditions in 20 minutes would require 23.4 minutes during peak periods in 2005, up from 23.2 minutes in 1995. Only one peer city showed less increase in travel time delay from 1995 to 2005 (Salt Lake City).

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