With a new study out concluding D.C.’s traffic problems are among the nation’s worst, everyone has had something to say about D.C.’s now scientifically-proven bad traffic. The study, conducted by something called the Texas Transportation Institute, ranks D.C. #3 in bad traffic in the country behind Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area.

The AP pointed out the average D.C. commuter spends nearly three days each year stuck in traffic, costing the region billions. Public transit booster were encouraged by the study’s findings:

The TTI study found that public transportation does reduce some gridlock. If public transit riders in 85 urban areas were forced to drive, the cost would be another $1.1 billion in traffic delays, the study said.

Metro spokeswoman Lisa Farbstein said the transit agency makes 1.2 million trips a day with its buses and trains.

“If you took 1.2 million trips per day and put them on the highway, we’d be at a standstill,” Farbstein said. “Even people who drive regularly should be supporters of transit.”

The Post headed their article on the study “D.C. Area Congestion Heavier, Costlier”, linking directly to the report. Experts also think northern Virginia traffic as bad as it can get – the roads are literally full during rush hour.

While we here at DCist try to avoid wading into public policy debates for which we are drastically underqualified, it seems a no-brainer to say the region should invest in efficient (read: public) transit systems. Also, ensuring a regular cash flow for WMATA wouldn’t be a bad start.