Technology

INRIX 2024 Global Traffic Scorecard: Employees & Consumers Returned to Downtowns, Traffic Delays & Costs Grew

Published

1 year ago

January 6, 2025

Ten U.S. cities made the Top 25 worst congested cities in the world as employees return to the office.Nine out of 10 of the United States’ largest metros saw trips increase into the city core, capped by a sharp +25% increase in trips to Downtown Houston, followed by Chicago (+13%), Dallas (+12%) and Atlanta (+10%).Saturday and Sunday evenings saw the largest increase in trips, at 9% year-over-year, while Friday saw the biggest day of week growth when considering all-day trips.Congestion resulted in American drivers losing an average of 43 hours to traffic jams in 2024, equal to about one work week, costing $771 in lost time and productivity. Drivers in the most congested cities, New York and Chicago (102 hours), lost more than $1,800 in wasted time.

KIRKLAND, Wash., Jan. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Today, INRIX, Inc., a global leader in transportation data and analytics, released the 2024 Global Traffic Scorecard that identified and ranked congestion and commuting trends in nearly 1,000 cities, across 37 countries. Istanbul’s 105 hours lost to congestion topped the worldwide rankings, followed closely by New York City (102 hours) and Chicago (102 hours). Ten U.S. cities made the Top 25 worst congested cities in the world as more employees returned to the office and leisure activity on nights and weekends increased.

Ten U.S. cities made the Top 25 world’s worst congested cities as more employees and consumers returned downtown

“Every year since 2020, we’ve seen traffic gradually rise towards what it was pre-pandemic,” said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX and author of the 2024 Global Traffic Scorecard. “While the U.S. is still behind pre-2020 levels of traffic, a pullback of remote and hybrid work models, specifically in tech-heavy areas like San Jose, San Francisco, and Seattle, brought a large jump in downtown trips, which is a good sign for metropolitan economies. The data also shows more economic activity Saturday and Sunday evenings as the downtown core returns to life.”

The higher number of daily commuters heading downtown can bring economic benefits, but it’s a double-edged sword. Pishue continued, “Traffic can be an indicator of economic boon, but ironically, it’s a hamper on economies in of itself. Each minute spent waiting in traffic results in money and productivity lost.”

Americans Waste One Week a Year Sitting in Congestion
New York City, Chicago (both with 102 hours) and Los Angeles (88 hours) are the most congested cities in in the United States, costing drivers $1,826 and $1,575 respectively. The country’s biggest increase in traffic congestion came from 15th-ranked Denver, where residents saw a 19% increase in traffic delay compared to 2023.

Overall, congestion resulted in drivers losing an average of 43 hours to traffic jams in 2024, equal to about one work week, costing $771 in lost time and productivity. Nationwide, this sums to more than four billion hours lost, costing $74 billion in lost time.

Table 1: 10 Most Congested Urban Areas in the U.S.

2024 US
Rank
(2023
Rank)

Urban Area

2024
Hours
Lost
(2023)

Percent
Change

2024
Cost per
Driver

2024
Cost
per
City

Downtown
Speed

(mph)

1 (1)

New York City, NY

102 (101)

1 %

$1,826

$9.5 B

2 (2)

Chicago, IL

102 (96)

6 %

$1,826

$6.6 B

3 (3)

Los Angeles, CA

88 (89)

-1 %

$1,575

$8.5 B

4 (4)

Boston, MA

79 (88)

-10 %

$1,414

$2.7 B

5 (6)

Philadelphia, PA

77 (69)

12 %

$1,378

$3.3 B

6 (5)

Miami, FL

74 (70)

6 %

$1,325

$3.4 B

7 (8)

Houston, TX

66 (62)

6 %

$1,181

$3.5 B

8 (9)

Atlanta, GA

65 (61)

7 %

$1,164

$2.9 B

9 (7)

Washington, DC

62 (63)

-2 %

$1,110

$2.8 B

10 (10)

Seattle, WA

63 (58)

9 %

$1,128

$1.8 B

Downtown’s Revival
Nine out of 10 of the United States’ largest metros saw trips increase into the city core, capped by a sharp +25% increase in trips to Downtown Houston, followed by Chicago (+13%), Dallas (+12%) and Atlanta (+10%). INRIX analysis has pinpointed that the increase in downtown trips across the country is not only due to a return to in-person work as Saturdays and Sundays saw the largest year-over-year increases in nighttime trips to downtown (12.5% and 12.7%, respectively). These findings suggest the same improvements cities made to attract employees downtown are also responsible for driving increased leisure/entertainment activity and a return to nightlife.

The Most Congested Corridors in the U.S.
Delay on the country’s busiest roads continues to be one of the most volatile traffic metrics. After holding three spots in the top 10 in 2023, Stamford, Connecticut’s infamous I-95 is now number one in the country’s most congested roads, seeing an influx of traffic from both commuters and freight truck drivers across the tri-state area. Roads in New York and California hold 12 of the 25 spots in INRIX’s most congested U.S. corridors rankings.

Table 2: 10 Most Congested U.S. Roads in 2024

Rank

Urban Area

Road Name

From

Peak
Hour

2024 Peak
Minutes
Lost

2024

Hours
Lost

Stamford, CT

I-95 SB

Westport

Indian Field Road

8:00 AM

151

Boston, MA

I-93 SB

Charles River

Pilgrim’s
Highway

3:00 PM

109

Dallas, TX

US-80 EB

I-635

Forney, TX

5:00 PM

New York City, NY

I-278 BQE WB

I-495 I’Chnge

Tillary Street

4:00 PM

Chicago, IL

I-55 SB

I-90

S Cicero Ave

4:00 PM

Chicago, IL

I-90 EB

Cicero Ave

W Fullerton Ave

8:00 AM

Chicago, IL

I-90 EB

Cicero Ave

Ohio Street

8:00 AM

New York City, NY

Cross Bronx Expy SB

Bruckner Expy

Walter Gladwin
Park

4:00 PM

Chicago, IL

I-290 EB

S Wolf Road

Harlem Ave

5:00 PM

Chicago, IL

I-90 WB

W Ontario Street

W Irving Park
Rd

4:00 PM

International Cities Grew at Faster Rate
While most large U.S. metros saw an increase in traffic delay in 2024, many areas outside of the United States grew at an even higher rate. Four cities in the Global Top 10 alone saw double-digit increases in traffic delay compared to 2023. For comparison, only five cities in this year’s U.S. Top 25 saw double-digit increases, with zero coming in the top 10. Additionally, 3 out of 4 cities in the 2024 Global Top 25 that saw year-over-year decreases in traffic congestion came from the U.S.

Table 3: 10 Most Congested Cities in the World in 2024

2024 Impact

Rank
(2023 Rank)

Urban Area

Country

2024 Delay
per Driver
(hours)

2023 Delay
per Driver
(hours)

Change
from 2023

Downtown
Speed (mph)

1 (6)

Istanbul

TUR

105

15 %

2 (1)

New York City, NY

USA

102

101

1 %

3 (5)

Chicago, IL

USA

102

6 %

4 (2)

Mexico City

MEX

1 %

5 (3)

London

GBR

101

2 %

6 (4)

Paris

FRA

0 %

7 (10)

Jakarta

IDN

37 %

8 (7)

Los Angeles, CA

USA

-1 %

9 (9)

Cape Town

ZAF

13 %

10 (12)

Brisbane

AUS

14 %

Combatting the Congestion Crisis
Access to reliable, consistent data is the first step in tackling congestion. Applying big data to create intelligent transportation systems is key to solving urban mobility problems. INRIX data and analytics on mobility, traffic signals, parking, safety and population movement can help city planners and engineers make data-based decisions to prioritize spending to maximize benefits and reduce costs now and into the future.

The key findings of the INRIX 2024 Global Traffic Scorecard provide a quantifiable benchmark for governments and cities across the world to measure progress to improve urban mobility and track the impact of spending on smart city initiatives.

Please visit www.inrix.com/scorecard for:

Full 2024 Global Traffic Scorecard reportInteractive webpage with data and information for nearly 1,000 cities and 37 countriesComplete methodology

About INRIX
Founded in 2004, INRIX pioneered intelligent mobility solutions by transforming big data from connected devices and vehicles into mobility insights. For nearly two decades, INRIX has harnessed machine learning and artificial intelligence to deliver precise and actionable mobility data. This revolutionary approach enabled INRIX to become one of the leading providers of data and analytics into how people move. By empowering cities, businesses, and people with valuable insights, INRIX is helping to make the world smarter, safer, and greener. With partners and solutions spanning across the entire mobility ecosystem, INRIX is uniquely positioned at the intersection of technology and transportation – whether its keeping road users safe, improving traffic signal timing to reduce delay and greenhouse gasses, optimizing last-mile delivery, or helping uncover market insights. Learn more at INRIX.com.

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SOURCE INRIX

Technology

GIGABYTE Named Official PC Monitor Sponsor of FINAL FANTASY XIV Fan Festival 2026 in Anaheim

Published

12 minutes ago

April 23, 2026

LOS ANGELES, April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — GIGABYTE, the world’s leading computer company, today announced its role as the Official PC Monitor Sponsor of the FINAL FANTASY XIV Fan Festival 2026, taking place from April 24 to April 25 at Anaheim Convention Center in California, USA. As part of the sponsorship, GIGABYTE will power the event’s PvP tournament stage with its MO27Q2A OLED gaming monitors, delivering an immersive and competitive gameplay experience for both players and fans.

At the center of the showcase is the GIGABYTE MO27Q2A, the OLED gaming monitor engineered to elevate the experience of FINAL FANTASY XIV. From richly detailed environments and dramatic lighting effects to fast-paced raid mechanics and PvP encounters, the MO27Q2A enhances every aspect of gameplay with deep contrast, vibrant color accuracy, and ultra-fast 0.03ms response time. Its OLED panel brings Eorzea to life with true blacks and exceptional clarity, while 280Hz high refresh rates ensure smooth, responsive performance during intense battles, making it an ideal display for both competitive play and immersive exploration.

Beyond the MO27Q2A monitor, GIGABYTE’s expanding monitor lineup continues to deliver cutting-edge display technology for gamers and creators alike. Featured models include the MO27U2 and MO32U, offering high-resolution visuals and immersive performance for both competitive and cinematic experiences, as well as the GO27Q24G, designed for smooth, responsive gameplay with high refresh rates and versatile performance in the budget friendly segmentation.

To further celebrate the partnership, GIGABYTE will be hosting a special social media giveaway in collaboration with the FINAL FANTASY XIV team, featuring 30 exclusive merchandise prizes. Fans can participate via a Gleam-powered campaign by following GIGABYTE and FINAL FANTASY XIV social channels for a chance to win. The giveaway will run from April 23 to April 30, inviting the community to engage and celebrate the event together.

With its focus on OLED innovation, high refresh rates, and gamer-centric features, GIGABYTE continues to push the boundaries of display performance, empowering players to experience their favorite titles with unmatched precision and immersion.

For more information on GIGABYTE monitors and the giveaway experience, please visit the official event page to learn more.

Media Contact:
GIGABYTE USA PR Team
City of Industry, California
gbtusa_marketing@gigabyteusa.com

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SOURCE GIGABYTE

Technology

Fun Services Announces Full Integration of Cliffhanger Productions Amusements Operations Beginning 2026

Published

12 minutes ago

April 23, 2026

TOTOWA, N.J., April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Fun Services is proud to announce the full transition and integration of Cliffhanger Productions Amusements operations under the Fun Services brand, effective January 1, 2026.

Following the acquisition of Cliffhanger Productions Amusements contracts in 2023, Fun Services has continued to operate and service events under the Cliffhanger name during a multi-year transition period. Beginning in 2026, all clients, events, and bookings will be managed directly through Fun Services.

This transition marks a significant milestone in the company’s growth, reinforcing its commitment to delivering high-quality amusement rentals, event services, and customer support across the region.

“Over the past few years, we’ve worked closely with Cliffhanger clients to ensure a seamless experience,” said Anthony Lombardi III, CEO of Fun Services. “As we move into 2026, we’re excited to officially bring all operations to Fun Services, allowing us to expand offerings, streamline service, and continue building strong relationships with our clients.”

Fun Services will continue to provide the same popular attractions and event equipment that clients have come to expect, including:

Mechanical ridesCarnival game trailersInflatablesFull-service event setups

Clients can expect enhanced booking processes, expanded inventory options, and continued reliability backed by the Fun Services team.

Anthony Lombardi, Owner of Fun Services, added, “This transition allows us to grow while maintaining the quality and consistency that Cliffhanger clients are used to. Our focus remains on making every event successful, safe, and memorable.”

All existing contracts and relationships will be honored, with no disruption to scheduled events. Clients will now work directly with Fun Services for all future bookings, inquiries, and event planning needs.

For more information or to book an event, please contact:

Fun Services
(973) 450-9610
info@njfunservices.com
https://eventsbyfunservices.com

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SOURCE Events by Fun Services

Technology

Alchemy Technology Group Acquires IOvations to Grow Its Northeast Presence

Published

12 minutes ago

April 23, 2026

HOUSTON, April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Alchemy Technology Group, an IT advisory, consulting, and reseller firm and a portfolio company of Avance Investment Management, has acquired IOvations, a Burlington, Massachusetts-based cybersecurity solution provider.

The acquisition expands Alchemy’s cybersecurity portfolio and further extends its geographic reach into the Northeast, giving customers access to deeper expertise in cloud security, advanced threat detection, and Zero Trust architectures. IOvations brings long-standing customer relationships and proven experience helping organizations build modern security strategies.

“IOvations is a perfect fit in our acquisition strategy,” said Wes Davis, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Alchemy Technology Group. “They have a terrific, longstanding customer base in a dynamic growth market for us. We love quality businesses built on the same core principals as Alchemy: trusted relationships, elite domain expertise, and a history of execution.”

For IOvations’ customers and partners, joining Alchemy provides access to a broader set of capabilities while preserving the specialized security focus they rely on today.

“Becoming part of Alchemy strengthens our ability to support our clients and their evolving needs,” said Jim Sacco, CEO and Founder at IOvations. “Our clients will gain access to expanded expertise in cloud, data, digital workspace, AI, and application development, while continuing to work with the same IOvations team they know and trust. Culturally, there is a strong alignment around our client-first approach, focusing on positive outcomes, investing in technical talent, and building long-term relationships.”

This transaction marks Alchemy’s second acquisition in as many months. With the support of Avance, Alchemy intends to continue its strategy of building a national platform through targeted acquisitions that complement its strong organic growth.

About Alchemy Technology Group

Alchemy Technology Group is an award-winning reseller of next-generation technology solutions and a provider of high-touch consulting and advisory services. Focused on critical software solutions such as cybersecurity, digital workspace, data, cloud, application development, and AI, Alchemy was purpose-built to go beyond the offerings of a traditional VAR and take a truly client- and vendor-centric approach. For more information, visit www.alchemytechgroup.com.

About IOvations

IOvations is a Burlington, Massachusetts-based cybersecurity solutions provider focused on helping customers protect critical systems, data, and users. The company specializes in modern security architectures with a focus on Zero Trust strategies and protecting critical infrastructure. IOvations works closely with customers to design and operate practical, resilient security programs that keep pace with evolving risks and regulatory requirements. For more information, please visit www.iovations.com.

About Avance Investment Management

Avance Investment Management is a private equity firm with a passion for building great businesses in partnership with talented founders and management teams. Avance focuses primarily on thematic investments within the Services, Technology, and Consumer areas in the U.S., seeking attractive opportunities with catalysts for growth and fragmented spaces with consolidation opportunities. Avance’s team has a long history of partnering with founder-owned businesses, industry executives, and management teams and aims to add value to each investment through the application of its STAGE™ value creation framework. Avance has offices in New York and Miami. For more information, please visit www.avanceinv.com.

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SOURCE Alchemy Technology Group, LLC