Bangkok's average traffic speed rates are much lower than those of other cities. As traffic gets worse, the rates drop even more. The plethora of business centers along the Ratchadapisek Road, for example, has slowed traffic there to a maddening crawl, just 8 to 9 kms. an hour in normal traffic situations, and a barely moving 2 to 3 kms. an hour in rush hours. In crowded residential areas, traffic flow is now only 10 to 15 kms. an hour. The city center, without a single restricted zone, of course has the most severe traffic. People do not drive there anymore unless they must.
Public transportation, especially public buses, has lagged far behind the city's population and business growth (Table 1). This lack of alternative transport options causes more and more people to buy cars and motorbikes, thus generating an endless cycle of traffic defeat.