Study finds over half of urban population still commutes by personal vehicles

New Delhi, India (Urban Transport News): A recent study examining commuting habits in urban areas worldwide has highlighted the significant reliance on cars, with over half of urban population commutes being by car, according to findings published in the journal Environment International on March 15, 2024. Conducted by Rafael Prieto-Curiel from the Complexity Science Hub in Austria and Juan Pablo Ospina from EAFIT University in Colombia, the research analyzed transportation modes such as cars, public transportation, walking, and biking in cities across the globe.

The study faced challenges due to a lack of comprehensive data on mobility patterns, focusing solely on the proportion of trips taken by each mode of transportation. Out of 794 cities studied across 61 countries, covering nearly 850 million people, less than a quarter of journeys (22.4%) were by active mobility, while public transportation and cars accounted for 26.2% and 51.4%, respectively.

Modal shares varied significantly by region, with cities in the US and Canada predominantly reliant on cars (91.9%), while European cities showed more diversity in transportation modes, ranging from high car usage to significant public transport and active mobility. Eastern European cities had notably higher levels of public transport usage compared to other European regions.

In eastern Asian cities, public transport was the most prevalent mode of transportation, followed by active mobility and cars. Meanwhile, African cities had a limited number of car journeys, with the majority of trips made via active mobility or public transport.

The study also observed that city size influences transportation patterns, with small cities outside the US having higher rates of active mobility and car usage due to limited public transportation options. In contrast, larger cities tend to rely more on public transport.

Despite the convenience of cars, their use in cities contributes to pollution, noise, and space consumption. However, transitioning to more sustainable transportation modes requires comprehensive strategies that promote active mobility and public transport while making cars less appealing. Successful cities have implemented such strategies to encourage sustainable commuting habits.