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US Vehicle Miles Traveled Surpass Pre-Pandemic Levels, Up 12% to Record Levels

Sep 13, 2024, 12:35 PM

Vehicle miles traveled (VMT) in the United States have surged past pre-pandemic levels, according to a new report published Thursday by transportation analytics firm StreetLight Data. Major metro areas in Texas and across the nation are experiencing higher volumes of car travel compared to 2019, reflecting a broader trend of increasing congestion. The total VMT jumped 12% between May 2019 and May 2024, reaching record levels. New York City, where congestion pricing was paused, has seen the most significant increase in both congestion and VMT. The rise in car travel and traffic congestion is a stark contrast to the dip experienced during the pandemic.