Commuting to work can be a stressful and time-consuming experience for many workers, especially in large and congested cities. While some people may enjoy the opportunity to listen to podcasts, read books, or catch up on emails during their transit, others may find it exhausting, frustrating, and unproductive. Commuting can also have negative impacts on health, well-being, and the environment, as it can increase stress, reduce physical activity, and contribute to air pollution.
But which city in California has the worst commute in the state? According to a recent study by SmartAsset, a financial technology company, the answer is Stockton, a city located 90 minutes east of San Francisco. In this article, we will explore the reasons why Stockton has been named to have the worst commute in the state, and what solutions are being proposed to improve the situation.
Why Stockton has the worst commute in the state
Stockton is the county seat of San Joaquin County, and has a population of about 312,000 people, making it the 13th largest city in California. It is also part of the San Joaquin Valley, a region that is known for its agricultural production, but also for its poor air quality, high poverty rate, and low educational attainment.
According to the SmartAsset study, which used data from the U.S. Census Bureau, workers in Stockton have a typical commute of roughly 33 minutes, which is an increase of 6.21% between 2016 and 2021. Moreover, 17.3% of workers spend more than one hour traveling to work, which is the second-highest figure in the country, after Riverside, California. The study also found that Stockton has the highest percentage of workers who drive alone to work, at 82.9%, and the lowest percentage of workers who use public transportation, at 1.4%.
There are several factors that contribute to Stockton’s long and congested commutes, such as:
1.) The lack of adequate public transportation options, such as buses, trains, or light rail, that can connect Stockton to other major cities in the region, such as Sacramento, Modesto, or the Bay Area. The existing public transit services are often unreliable, infrequent, or expensive, and do not meet the demand of the growing population.
2.) The high cost of living and housing in the Bay Area, which forces many workers to move to more affordable areas, such as Stockton, and commute long distances to their jobs. According to Zillow, the median home value in Stockton is $378,000, while in San Francisco it is $1.4 million .
3.) The geographic location of Stockton, which is surrounded by mountains, rivers, and farmland, and has limited access to highways and freeways. The main routes that connect Stockton to other cities are Interstate 5, State Route 99, and State Route 4, which are often congested, especially during peak hours.
4.) The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted the normal patterns of work and travel, and increased the demand for delivery services, e-commerce, and online shopping. This resulted in more trucks and vehicles on the roads, adding to the traffic and pollution.
What solutions are being proposed to improve the situation
Stockton’s commute problem is not a new issue, and has been recognized by local and state authorities, as well as by private and public organizations, as a challenge that needs to be addressed. Some of the solutions that have been proposed or implemented to improve the situation include:
1.) Expanding and improving the public transportation system, such as by adding more bus routes, increasing the frequency and reliability of the existing services, and developing new projects, such as the Valley Link, a proposed rail service that would connect Stockton to the Bay Area.
2.) Encouraging and supporting alternative modes of transportation, such as carpooling, biking, walking, or telecommuting, by providing incentives, subsidies, infrastructure, and education. For example, the San Joaquin Council of Governments, a regional planning agency, offers programs such as Commute Connection, which helps commuters find carpool or vanpool partners, and Bike to Work, which promotes cycling as a healthy and sustainable option.
3.) Investing in smart and innovative technologies, such as traffic management systems, autonomous vehicles, electric vehicles, or hyperloop, that can reduce congestion, improve safety, and lower emissions. For instance, Stockton is one of the cities that has partnered with Waymo, a self-driving technology company, to test and deploy its driverless cars in the area.
4.) Promoting economic development and job creation in Stockton and the San Joaquin Valley, by attracting more businesses, industries, and investments, and by enhancing the skills and education of the workforce. This would reduce the need for workers to commute long distances, and increase the quality of life and opportunities for the residents.
Conclusion
Stockton, California, has been named to have the worst commute in the state, according to a recent study by SmartAsset. The city’s workers face long and stressful commutes, which are influenced by factors such as the lack of public transportation, the high cost of living in the Bay Area, the geographic location of the city, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, there are also solutions that are being proposed or implemented to improve the situation, such as expanding and improving the public transportation system, encouraging and supporting alternative modes of transportation, investing in smart and innovative technologies, and promoting economic development and job creation in the city and the region. By working together, Stockton and its partners can overcome the commute challenge, and make the city a more livable and prosperous place.