The illustration compares public transport usage by age group and residential area in 2016.
Overall, people living in cities relied on public transport far more than those in smaller towns or rural areas. Usage was highest among middle-aged adults (31-45) and lowest among the elderly in city areas whereas the usuage was comparatively stable between different age groups in small residences.
In large cities, the share of users rose sharply from about 40% among those aged 0-15 to a peak of nearly 70% among 31-45-year-olds. It then fell dramatically to around 10% among people aged 61-75, before a slight rebound in the oldest group.
By contrast, in smaller towns and rural areas, the proportions were much lower and more stable. Around 30% of people aged 16-30 used public transport, the highest of all groups, while other age brackets remained steady at around 15%, before declining among those over 75.
