Traffic. Its usually an expected occurrence these days, but when youre just trying to be on time for your appointment, road congestion can be a nightmare.
Chicagos gridlock is considered one of the worst in the US, and perhaps the world. For most travelers passing through the Windy City, the first obstacle they need to deal with is getting out the city as quickly (and safely) as possible. Once they hit the open road, the road trip is officially on. But for daily commuters around the city, Chicago traffic can be their personal kind of hell.
As a long-time cabbie from the Universal Taxi Dispatch, here are guaranteed tips I can give you on managing Chicago traffic.
- Avoid commuting during the rush hour.
Its that simple, and yet complicated. If you have the leisure of traveling whenever you want or clocking out early from the office, you can easily avoid the rush hour. Otherwise, youre stuck with many commuters on the road. If youre commuting in the morning, never leave home between 7 am and 9:30 am. If its in the latter part of the day, avoid Chicago highways between 3:30 pm and 6:30 pm. If possible, leave at 6 am or 10 am, and go home at 3 pm or 7 pm.
- Do not leave Chicago on a Friday evening.
If you think leaving early (Friday evening) for a weekend trip is the best thing you can do to avoid traffic, then think again. Unless you wait at least 7 pm onwards on Friday or until Saturday morning, dont push it. This tip is particularly valid during Labor Day and Memorial Day weekends.In connection with that, if youre celebrating Thanksgiving outside Chicago, dont wait until Wednesday to leave. If possible, take a leave from work a day early, and start your road trip on a Tuesday.
- Use the public transportation.
Sometimes, its more tiresome to drive AND wait for the traffic to subside. Its better to just wait for the rush to lull inside a cab, a bus or a train. Commuting can, ironically, relax you if you just go with the flow. Talk to your fellow commuters, listen to your favorite playlist or chat with your loved ones using your phone. Keep yourself busy, and without you knowing it, youre finally where youre supposed to be.
- Be updated on public road constructions.
Check traffic websites or the news at least 30 minutes before going out so you can plan your commute accordingly. Theres always an alternative route, you just have to be updated to save time.
- Use traffic apps to check the road.
If you’re already on the road and heard about a road construction or closure, use a traffic app to navigate your way out of the stagnant sea of vehicles. You can use the following apps, the last three are specially tailored for Chicago roads:
Google Maps
Waze
Inrix HD
TransitGenie
Hopstop
You dont have to suffer all the time because of the traffic. If you dont want the stress it brings, use a transport service such as Universal Taxi Dispatch to bring you wherever you want to go.