Phoenix (September 29, 2026) – For the last 40 years, the Valley has experienced significant population growth. Development continues today, with major economic investments across the region. Add in new housing developments across the Valley, and it would be easy to think commute times would also skyrocket. The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) has led multimodal transportation planning efforts through Propositions 300, 400, and now 479. And the result is something not many regions this size can say: we have some of the best commute times in the country.

Despite the rapid growth, thanks to more than 40 years of investments in transportation, average commute times across the region have remained consistent.

Using data published by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) as part of their Urban Mobility Report, MAG looked at the delay hours per commuter for 100 urban areas across the country and found that its region fared better than 97 of them. The report finds that transportation investments have allowed the region to address growth challenges with less traffic congestion growth than any other region of more than one million people.

“This study shows the value of decades of regional transportation planning and voter-approved investment, especially given how much the Valley has grown,” said Buckeye Mayor Eric Orsborn, MAG Regional Council Chair. “It’s an accomplishment worth recognizing, while also knowing there is more work ahead. Proposition 479 gives us the opportunity to build on that success, address congestion and continue delivering a transportation system that keeps pace with our region’s growth.”

Proposition 479 continues that commitment with transportation projects and programs designed to support mobility as the region grows. Together, the results show that the region is delivering on the transportation commitments voters approved.