Traffic congestion is a major problem in megacities which increases vehicle emissions and degrades ambient air quality. Various models have been developed to address the universal features of traffic jams. These models range from micro car-following models to macro collective dynamic models. Here, we study the macrostructure of congested traffic influenced by the complex geometry of the commute. Our main focus is on the dynamics of traffic patterns in Paris, and Los Angeles each with distinct urban structures. We analyze the complexity of the giant traffic clusters based on a percolation framework during rush hours in the mornings, evenings, and holidays. We uncover that the universality described by several critical exponents of traffic patterns is highly correlated with the geometry of commute and the underlying urban structure. Our findings might have broad implications for developing a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future city.

翻译：交通拥堵是大城市面临的重大难题，会增加车辆排放并恶化空气质量。学界已发展出多种模型来探讨交通堵塞的普适性特征，涵盖从微观跟驰模型到宏观集体动力学模型。本研究聚焦于受复杂通勤几何结构影响的拥堵交通宏观形态，重点分析巴黎和洛杉矶这两种不同城市结构下的交通模式动态。我们基于渗流理论框架，研究了早高峰、晚高峰及节假日期间巨型交通簇的复杂性，发现由多个临界指数描述的交通模式普适性与通勤几何结构及底层城市结构高度相关。该发现对构建更绿色、更健康、更可持续的未来城市具有广泛启示意义。