In a jam: how traffic slows urban economies

Heavy traffic jam along Nairobi's University Way on December 03, 2018. A new mindset is just as vital to improve congestion and the quality of life in cities. PHOTO | DENNIS ONSONGO | NMG

Spiraling traffic and poor urban planning could rob developing countries of opportunities and jam economic progress in fast-growing cities, a study published on Thursday found.

As more people flock to cities, congested roads, expensive commutes and a lack of reliable transport options are disrupting urban economies and affecting quality of life, said a report by the World Resources Institute, a global research organization.