How to Beat Traffic and Reduce Your Commute Time

Traffic jams are causing people and companies to lose more than just time. According to an article on WeForum.org, traffic congestion has cost the United States economy around $87 billion in 2018. Every minute an employee spends in a traffic jam is a minute of lost productivity. This, in turn, leads to a loss of income. 

Governments are looking for solutions to worsening traffic conditions as car ownership is set to rise further even as vehicle prices increase. The best you can do at this point is to know how you can navigate around traffic congestion and cut the time it takes to reach your workplace or home. Stay on time by following these sure-fire tips for improving your commute. 

Use a ridesharing service 

If you are going out in the morning, expect long queues at the subway or bus stops. At this hour, everyone is frantic to reach their offices, so you will often find yourself fighting for every seat you could get your hands on. You can avoid crowds during rush hour by simply using a ridesharing service such as Uber or Lyft.

With this, you can request a driver to pick you up and take you to your destination via the fastest possible route. Ridesharing drivers are also experienced and trained in safe driving and navigation, so you won’t have to worry about coming to work late. You can’t always vouch for a safer commute since there’s always a good chance of getting into a collision. In case you are injured in an Uber car accident, you might as well file a claim and receive compensation.

Look for alternative routes

The basic way you can avoid traffic jams is to take routes other than your main route. If you are living in a large urban center, you can look for other ways to get around without taking the busiest streets. In case you don’t have a car, look for bus or train lines that will take you to your destination faster. 

It’s also important to know if going on foot would be a quicker way to reach the office. You can simply stop over at one point and walk from there. Consider asking people you know for shortcuts and alternative routes you can take. Doing your research will help you come up with a strategy for beating traffic. 

Use GPS devices

There are several apps you can use to help you find out which roads or streets should be avoided. These apps come with highly accurate GPS features that analyze traffic conditions and suggest routes that will take you to your destination faster. You can download apps like Google Maps, Apple Maps, and Waze to your smartphone so you can easily find out which routes are the best. 

When choosing an app, make sure it allows you to pick different modes depending on the mode of transportation you are using. These apps can adjust estimated commute times depending on the vehicle you are using. In some cases, they can even provide walking directions in case you prefer traveling on foot.

Avoid the rush hour

If you are working irregular hours, you have the advantage of avoiding rush hour traffic. Most shifts start at 8 a.m. and end at 5 p.m., so it’s no question that roads and streets are congested around these times. Consider yourself fortunate if your shift starts at 10 a.m. and ends at 7 p.m. because all other workers have already reached their offices or returned home by then.

Adopt a permanent remote work setup

Over the past two years, working from home has become an ideal option for people who can’t afford to lose time. From stay-at-home mothers to employees with disabilities, certain groups can take advantage of working remotely so they won’t have to expose themselves to stressful and time-consuming commutes. 

A permanent work-from-home isn’t always possible since you will need approval from your employer and ensure you have the tools and equipment you need to work remotely. It’s a big decision to make, but if it’s your health that’s on the line, you might as well 

Live near work

If working from home isn’t possible, your best option would be to get a second living space near your workplace. It might not be financially feasible, but it can help you shorten your commute time and give you greater convenience. You just have to look for a home or an apartment that offers the amenities you need at a price you can afford. Its location also makes it possible to reach the office on foot. 

Aside from reducing your carbon footprint and avoiding coming to work late, living near your workplace also helps you reclaim more time for rest and leisure. Since you don’t have to deal with traffic congestion, you can spend more time in bed before going to work and have more free time after your shift. 

Consider carpooling

Commuting can be more stressful compared to driving yourself to work. You will have to line up at the subway or bus stop. In addition, you also expose yourself to large crowds that create a claustrophobic atmosphere and drain you of any productive energy before you could even reach your destination. 

You may have to consider sharing a ride with a coworker or friend if you think taking the subway or waiting for a bus will cause you more stress. It’s also a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and reach your workplace safely. However, you may still have to contribute gas money to the car owner if you want carpooling to be your primary means of getting around. 

Travel on two wheels 

Whether you prefer a scooter or a motorcycle, any two-wheeled vehicle offers a faster way to navigate busy streets. That’s because the size of the vehicles grants you greater mobility. You can easily weave in and out of traffic and you don’t have to spend a lot of time looking for parking space.  Other than that, two-wheeled vehicles are easier and cheaper to maintain or repair. 

However, riding on two wheels also has a few risks. For one, you are more exposed to collisions that could cause significant injuries. This is mostly true for the least bike-friendly cities in the country. 

If you want to make the most of your daily commute, use these tips so you can save time and avoid stress.