Last Updated: April 29th, 2022 at 9:21 pm
Read Time: 4 Minutes
It is probably no big surprise to you that Miami makes the cut for one of the most congested cities in the U.S. The metropolis is overflowing with locals and tourists alike, and with a booming economy centered on tourism and travel that doesn’t look like it will be slowing down any time soon.
For those of us who are lucky enough to call Miami home, however, its high level of congestion is not something we are particularly proud or enthusiastic about. While congestion is not set to decrease, there are certain changes we Floridians can all make to create a less stressful and more enjoyable commute through the densely-populated metropolis.
Miami’s Congestion Rank
According to a recent report published by the Los Angeles Top INRIX Global Congestion Ranking, Miami, FL currently sits at the number 5 spot for most congested urban areas in the United States. With an average percentage of 8.7% of total drive time spent in congestion in 2016, the cost to the city due to congestion totaled a whopping $3.6 billion. Miami’s rank came just behind Atlanta, San Francisco, New York, and, of course, Los Angeles, who took the crown as the most congested city in the U.S.
With a population of nearly 2.5 million, traffic is bound to be a part of everyday life. However, if you are one of those people that cannot stand sitting in bumper-to-bumper gridlock while on the roads, check out these tips to alleviate the stress of making that rush hour drive.
Inquire with Your Employer about Different Working Hours
If your position does not require you to work the specific contracted hours of 9-5 in order to complete your work, inquire with your manager if you can adjust your hours during the work week in order to avoid the height of congestion. Even moving your arrival time up or down by thirty minutes can make a massive difference.
If you can complete work remotely, opening up a discussion about working from home one or two days a week is a great option as well. More employers are offering their staff flexible work hours and the opportunity to work from home because it benefits employees as well as the employer. While they save on office space and energy bills, you save on fuel costs, and can create a schedule that works for you.
Bus, Bike, or Walk to Work
The Metrobus in Miami, (schedule and routes found here), is an excellent method of transport that is good for the environment and will decrease your carbon footprint. The best part about taking public transportation to work and back is that it gives you a little extra time to check emails, read, catch up on news and events, or whatever else you have been meaning to make time for.
If you live close enough to your office to walk or bike, this is a healthy and environmentally friendly option too. If your work is a bit further out, you could walk or bike to the bus stop to exercise and save on fuel.
If you live close to a co-worker, carpooling is also a great option to save on fuel, and it offers great company to make conversation with on your drive.
De-stress in Congestion
For some of us, driving to work and back is the only realistic option. Even if you have no choice but to face rush hour on your drive to work and back every day, you do not have to spend this time stressing over the time it is taking you to get through the city, and honking at the car in front of you to get a move on.
To start and end your work day on a high note, try tuning into a motivational or wellness podcast. Not only do podcasts offer great advice that will benefit your health and mood, but the conversation makes long drives fly by. For a quick podcast pick-me-up, try Daily Boost, a podcast by a local Floridian who offers daily coaching and motivation for a more positive outlook on life. Another positive podcast is My Everyday Awesome, which offers positivity and inspiration to live a happier and healthier life.
Stay safe out there and remember that your city is only congested because it is such an incredible place to live.
