Crumbling roads and heavy traffic congestion are costing Bay Area motorists thousands of dollars annually in vehicle repairs, wasted fuel and lost time, according to a report released Thursday by a national transportation research nonprofit.
The study, conducted by Washington, D.C.-based TRIP, found that deficient roads and traffic delays cost the average Bay Area driver more than $4,600 each year. In the San Jose metropolitan area, those annual costs average nearly $3,300 per motorist.
The report highlights growing concerns over how California will maintain its infrastructure as traditional funding streams begin to dry up.
“The Bay Area is facing some of the most complex transportation challenges in the state — from congestion, to climate resilience, to major regional mega-projects,” said Assemblymember Lori Wilson, D-Suisun City. “Meeting those challenges requires stable, long-term funding.”
However, securing that funding is becoming increasingly difficult for state and local officials.
The federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which currently provides billions of dollars for highways, public transit, and rail systems, is set to expire at the end of September.
At the state level, California’s gas tax revenue is steadily declining as more drivers transition to electric and hybrid vehicles. Compounding the revenue shortfall, officials noted that overall construction costs continue to rise, leaving lawmakers looking for alternative ways to fund critical highway and road repairs.