About
This FACT indicates the average unit cost of congestion in each Australian city, measured in cents per kilometre. This indicator monetises the time needlessly spent in road traffic congestion that could otherwise be added to the revenue of the economy.
If unaddressed, the negative impact of congestion will continue to grow, adversely impacting lifestyle and broader local and national economies. According to the Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics, the avoidable cost of congestion for the Australian capitals was approximately $9.4 billion in 2005. Projections show that by 2020 this cost will rise to $20.4 billion, impacting adversely on Australian productivity and economies both nationally and locally.
The city with the highest cost of congestion is Melbourne at 7.5 cents per km. The city with the lowest cost of congestion is Darwin - the city with the most bike-riders - at 1.8 cents per km.