reported from the source

Quick summary: Istanbul has been named the traffic congestion capital of the world for the second consecutive year, with drivers spending an average of 118 hours annually in their cars, equivalent to five wasted days.

Istanbul residents express frustration over the city’s traffic conditions, describing it as unbearable and a complete disaster. According to data from Inrix, a US-based traffic analytics company, Istanbul drivers spend an average of 118 hours in traffic each year, which is nearly double the time spent in Cologne, Germany’s traffic capital. Traffic expert Mustafa Ilıcalı notes that the average speed in the city has dropped to less than ten kilometers per hour, warning that if it decreases further to five kilometers per hour, it would be equivalent to walking speed. The ongoing congestion not only causes inconvenience but also results in significant economic losses, estimated at six and a half billion dollars due to wasted fuel, lost time, and environmental pollution. Although the public transport system has seen rapid growth, including the expansion of the subway network and the introduction of Metrobus services, Ilıcalı argues that the development of public transport has not kept pace with the city’s growth. He emphasizes that improving public transport is essential to alleviating traffic issues, as seen in German cities where many people use buses and trains despite owning cars. However, he points out that the current public transport options in Istanbul lack sufficient capacity, comfort, and safety, leading people to prefer driving their own vehicles.

Source: www.tagesschau.de