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San Francisco ranks third for traffic congestion
Driving through San Francisco’s streets has become much slower for residents this year. A major study released on January 21, 2026, found that the city now ranks third among the most congested areas in the United States.
This new ranking shows that traffic levels have officially surpassed those in New York City. The study evaluated cities based on how long it takes to drive through busy urban centers. Only Los Angeles and Honolulu had worse traffic problems than San Francisco in 2026.
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Drivers lose many hours to peak traffic
Commuters in the Bay Area are spending a significant portion of their lives sitting in their cars. According to the 2026 traffic index, typical drivers in San Francisco lost 112 hours to rush-hour congestion last year.
This represents a significant increase in time wasted compared to the 2024 data. Long delays on the Bay Bridge and downtown surface streets contribute most to this problem…