The charts report data on the commuting habits of UK workers in 2009, specifically detailing average travel times across the country and comparing transport methods used in London versus the rest of the UK.
Overall, the vast majority of UK workers experienced relatively short commutes, with most trips taking under half an hour. Additionally, there was a stark contrast in transport choices: Londoners heavily relied on public transit systems, whereas workers in the rest of the UK predominantly depended on cars.
Looking first at commuting times, the largest share of UK workers enjoyed very short journeys, with 42% traveling for just 1 to 15 minutes. While the exact percentage for the 16-30 minute bracket is not explicitly labeled, it visually represents the second-largest segment, meaning the clear majority of the workforce arrived at work in under 30 minutes. In contrast, prolonged commutes were far less common; only 8% of workers traveled for 45 to 60 minutes, and a mere 5% faced trips exceeding an hour.
In terms of transport modes, a massive divide is visible between the capital and other regions. Outside of London, the car was the undisputed primary mode of transport, dwarfing all other categories combined. Conversely, car usage among Londoners was remarkably low. Instead, London workers favored rail infrastructure, showing a high utilization of trains and the Underground, both of which saw minimal usage across the rest of the UK. Bus travel was also slightly more popular in London. Interestingly, active commuting via walking or cycling remained relatively low and balanced, showing minor differences between London and the regional areas.