How Much Time Do You Waste Commuting?

One of the driving forces of commuting by car is convenience. Commuters can hop in their car and avoid potential transfers and crowds. But really, how much time do you waste on your commute around the DMV in terms of time, stress, and overall safety? 

The Safer Choice is on Track 

Did you know that traveling by commuter or intercity rail is 18 times safer than driving? From 2000 to 2014, there were 6.53 deaths per billion passenger miles for drivers, compared to just 0.36 for commuter rail passengers. Switching from driving to public transit reduces your risk of a crash and could even help save lives. 

The Hidden Cost of Convenience  

According to the INRIX Global Traffic Scorecard, which ranks commuting data from cities all over the world – from Bangkok to Melbourne to Chicago and Atlanta – the average U.S. driver loses 43 hours a year sitting in traffic. That’s nearly two full days staring at someone else’s bumper. And if you’re in Washington, DC? It’s worse. DC commuters lose an average of 62 hours annually due to congestion with the average speed of the downtown rush hour traffic just 12 miles per hour. With the federal return to office those numbers may continue to rise. 

The DMV’s Congestion Problem 

DC congestion doesn’t fare well globally either. The INRIX report ranks the region 22nd among the most congested urban areas internationally. That puts us ahead of cities like Seattle, Milan, and Toronto though it’s not exactly a list we want to be climbing. In 2025 Forbes named DC as one of the worst cities to drive in, placing #13 amongst cities like Oakland, Miami, and Houston.   

Of course, taking the train does not erase delays or hiccups. But it does give you back your “me” time. You can relax, scroll, work, or just be for a moment before or after your workday. If you now travel to DC on a regular basis, ask yourself where the convenience really lies when you factor in the frustration and stress. Rethink what might be possible onboard VRE.