Yo, Adrian! You can always take SEPTA.
A new WalletHub study of America’s 100 largest cities ranks Philadelphia 99th for driveability. Only Oakland, that garden spot of urban livability, ranks lower.
Philly’s cross-state rival, Pittsburgh, is ranked number 46.
Citing the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the analysis reports 87 percent of Americans take daily trips in their personal vehicles, with drivers averaging 370 hours on the road each year. And the cost for that wasted time and fuel is $733 annually.
WalletHub analyzed the cost of ownership and maintenance, traffic and infrastructure, safety, and access to vehicles and maintenance. Philadelphia drivers spend 65 hours in congestion, tied with New York City, Boston, Chicago, and Miami.
Breaking down the analysis, the City of Brotherly Love is hurt by being tied for having the highest parking rates in the country, ranked 96th on traffic and infrastructure, and 93rd on roadway safety.
On the other end of the scale is top-ranked Raleigh, N.C., followed by Boise, Idaho; Corpus Christie, Texas; Greensboro, N.C.; and Jacksonville, Fla.
PennDOT spokeswoman Krys Johnson pushed back on the Wallethub ranking. “The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the city of Philadelphia value a safe and efficient transportation network. We take feedback on traffic conditions seriously. While WalletHub’s recent article highlighted challenges in Philadelphia, we view this as an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to improving our roadways.
“Philadelphia has made significant progress in modernizing infrastructure, focusing on safety, sustainability, and reliable mobility. Our goal is to create a transportation system that supports drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users,” she said. Key initiatives include: Vision Zero to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2030; Infrastructure investments; Expanding bike lanes and pedestrian infrastructure. Philadelphia received state grants to help.
“Despite the unique challenges posed by Philadelphia’s narrow streets and dense urban layout, we are resolute in our commitment to ongoing infrastructure upgrades and smarter traffic management,” Johnson said.
Drivers are skeptical. Several Delaware Valley residents took to social media to express their concerns about driving in Philadelphia.
“I avoid driving in Philadelphia. It’s too risky,” said Ted Taylor of Doylestown.
Wayne resident Frank Tait said, “Seems like stop signs and traffic lights are just suggestions.”
Villanova resident Amy Wishner said, “I certainly avoid driving in Philly.” She cited, “Narrow roads in poor repair, very expensive and inconvenient parking, fear of crime, unsafe pedestrians and bikers.”
Doreen Mcgettigan of Media said, “The bike lanes in Philadelphia are treacherous. Good intentions are going to lead to injured and dead bike riders.”
John Featherman, a Republican who ran for mayor of Philadelphia in 2011, said, “I was born in Philadelphia and currently make my principal residence there. However, I feel the city is extremely dangerous, and our city government needs to crack down on violent and quality-of-life crimes. Otherwise, I and others will leave the city soon. Start by confiscating all ATVs and arresting all those who participate in ‘car meet-ups.’ Also, throw the book at those involved in gun crimes.”
“Lock and load,” said Marc Segal of Glen Mills.
Chester County resident Jacques Minstrosity said, “I have driven extensively in every major city in the U.S. Washington, D.C. is by far the worst, followed closely by Boston. Philly is a whole lot of no fun, but at least it’s a grid layout, numbers, and tree names. NYC is a grid. I don’t mind grids. But D.C. and Boston are insane.
“Before GPS, there were Rand McNally road maps. GPS gives a slight advantage, but one wrong turn and you are hosed. Miss that turn and ‘fuhgetaboudit.’ You’ve just added lots of time to your trip,” he said.
Malvern resident Ron Vogel summed it up: “Driving in the city is terrible.”
WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said, “Car prices have gone up significantly over the past few years, and gas remains expensive going into the summer travel season. Living in one of the best cities to drive in can make owning and maintaining a car much cheaper. However, costs aren’t the only factors that matter; the best cities for drivers also minimize commute times and traffic congestion, have accident rates well below the national average and keep their roads in good condition.”
To save money, University of Michigan mechanical engineering Professor Andre Boehman suggested that drivers, “Invest in a more fuel-efficient vehicle, combine trips to reduce miles traveled. Keep your vehicle well maintained.”
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