EKONOMSKI UTICAJ KONGESTIJE SAOBRAĆAJA NA PRODUKTIVNOST I TROŠKOVE PREVOZA – BOSNA I HERCEGOVINA I EVROPA

Abstract

This paper provides an overview and analysis of the impact of traffic congestion (traffic jam), which represents a key infrastructural challenge for modern economies, causing productivity loss, increased business costs, and negative socioeconomic effects. Traffic congestion (traffic jam) is defined as a negative externality that occurs when the demand for transport infrastructure exceeds its capacity. The methodology of the paper includes a comparative analysis of two markets: Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and the European Union (EU), utilizing indicators such as productivity losses, average trip length, and operating costs. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the economic impact of traffic congestion is proportionally greater than in many European Union states when measured as a share of GDP. Total losses are estimated at 230–460 million EUR annually, amounting to 1– 2% of GDP. Key problems include insufficient infrastructure, underdeveloped public transport, and an inefficient mobility management system. Although the EU uses sophisticated models and strategies (digitization, intermodal transport), the trend of increasing traffic congestion remains present. The comparison shows that Bosnia and Herzegovina loses proportionally the same as some of the densest European metropolises relative to its GDP. It is concluded that urgent investments are required in Bosnia and Herzegovina for road modernization, smart traffic light systems, public transport, and the digitization of the transport sector. Failure to implement the recommended measures will lead to a further growth in losses, thus undermining the competitiveness of the economy.