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Global Traffic Worsens in 2025, INRIX Finds, With Istanbul, Chicago and Mexico City Most Congested

The new scorecard reports rising congestion in most cities in 2025, imposing significant time and dollar losses on drivers.

Overview

  • INRIX analyzed 36 countries and nearly 1,000 cities using 2023 through Q3 2025 travel data focused on trips to major employment centers.
  • Across the globe, 62% of urban areas saw congestion increase in 2025, and U.S. drivers lost a typical 49 hours worth an average of $894, totaling $85 billion and 4.7 billion hours.
  • Chicago led U.S. congestion at 112 hours per driver and overtook New York, with Philadelphia third and Baltimore among the largest year-over-year risers at 31%.
  • In Canada, Montreal ranked 28th globally at 63 hours lost, Toronto placed 34th at 59 hours with a 3% improvement from 2024, and Vancouver ranked 59th at 46 hours.
  • Lower-congestion Canadian cities included Calgary at 397th with 24 hours lost and Edmonton at 664th with 16 hours.