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Improving Economy Means Worst Traffic In Two Decades For Bay Area Commuters

SAN JOSE (KCBS) — As the economy improves, the Bay Area is currently seeing the worst traffic conditions in more than two decades, according to a new study by traffic research company INRIX.

Over the past year, traffic congestion has jumped 25 percent in San Jose and 22 percent in San Francisco.

According to the study, more people are driving to work as the economy continues to pick up steam.

San Jose commuter Jennifer Moller said she had to adjust her schedule to avoid the gridlock. "I try to come to work really early in the morning because it starts getting really bad around 6:30," she told KCBS.

Ron Diridon with the Mineta Transportation Institute agrees traffic is worsening due to the economy.

"It's a wonderful problem to have. We love the fact that we have expanding employment," Diridon said.

Booming Bay Area Economy Means Worst Traffic In Two Decades For Commuters

He added that the Bay Area needs to continue to make investments in public transit before traffic backups become unbearable.

According to the study, the worst commute times are Thursdays at 6 p.m. and Tuesdays at 9 a.m.

(Copyright 2013 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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