LA's Still #1 in Congestion with Commuters Spending 93 Hours in Rush-Hour Traffic

LOS ANGELES--May 1, 20051, 2005--

Drivers Can Save Seven Hours Per Month (84 Hours a Year) Commuting According to TrafficGauge Study of Users "Outsmarting" Traffic Right from the Driver's Seat

Nothing New -- LA's #1

The Texas Transportation Institute released its 2005 Mobility Study this week and reports that while congestion in LA has eased, the city remains the worst in the nation -- commuters spend 93 hours in rush-hour commuter traffic. The study reports that LA commuters are spending five less hours commuting than last year.

Something New

TrafficGauge, the first mobile traffic map, introduced to Los Angeles in September 2004, has found a way for commuters to spend seven less hours per month stuck in traffic. In a study conducted by the company, its users are saving an average of seven hours a month on their commute -- or 84 hours a year.

Cost to Commuters

With gas prices nudging ever closer to $3.00 a gallon, the numbers of hours spent sitting in traffic is costing peak-hour commuters $1,598.

The Study

http://mobility.tamu.edu/ums/media_information/news_release.stm

LA Specific Data

http://mobility.tamu.edu/ums/congestion_data/tables/los_angeles.pdf

Talk to: Eric Meyer, CEO, TrafficGauge

Also available are TrafficGauge users who have participated in the study and who can share their testimonials.

How It Works

TrafficGauge gives drivers a birds-eye view of Los Angeles and Orange County freeways, helping them pinpoint traffic slowdowns to make better driving decisions, such as taking an alternative route, knowing how much time to allow for a trip, or by simply deciding to not venture into traffic altogether.

-- Uses official government freeway-sensor data from Caltrans and Metro

-- Covers over 850 freeway miles throughout Los Angeles and Orange counties

-- Pinpoints traffic slowdowns -- indicates light, medium or heavy traffic

-- Fixed, "at-a-glance" map display -- high-resolution LCD screen, no scrolling required

-- Always on -- no power button, 2 AA batteries last 2 months

-- Hand-held portable device -- easily fits in a pocket or small handbag, or mounts on dash or windshield