~ TomTom analyses traffic congestion in over 200 cities around the world ~

Amsterdam, 31 March, 2015 - TomTom (TOM2) today releases its annual Traffic Index highlighting the impact of traffic congestion in over 200 cities around the world. TomTom data reveals that traffic congestion nearly doubles journey times during the evening rush hour. In 2014, the average commuter spent an extra 100 hours a year travelling during the evening rush hour alone.

According to TomTom Traffic data, the evening rush hour is the most congested time of day. Nearly every city with the highest overall levels of congestion can expect to double their congestion level during the evening rush hour.

Commuters in Istanbul experience the worst traffic congestion overall, the evening rush hour is no exception. The average 30 minute drive in the city will take over an hour during evening rush hour, leading to an extra 125 hours wasted stuck in traffic every year. In Los Angeles, a 30 minute commute in the evening will take 54 minutes due to congestion, an extra 92 hours annually.

“TomTom’s mission is to reduce traffic congestion for everyone,” said Ralf-Peter Schaefer, VP TomTom Traffic. “Road authorities and local governments can use TomTom’s traffic data to better manage traffic flow during the rush hour. We can help businesses plan smarter working hours to help their employees avoid travelling during rush hour. And we give drivers the real-time traffic information and smart routing they need to avoid congested roads and get there faster.”

Top ten cities with the worst evening rush hour:

To find out more information on the Traffic Index please visit: www.tomtom.com/trafficindex

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors:

This year TomTom has expanded its Traffic Index to 218 cities in 36 countries. For the first time, the Index includes traffic information for China, Romania, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, and United Arab Emirates in one comprehensive report. The Traffic Index is based on data over the year of 2014.

Overall ranking of most congested cities in 2014: