The pie charts compare the modes of transport used by people in a European city to commute to and from work in 1959 and 2009. Additional information about average travel distance and duration is also provided.
Overall, there was a clear shift from walking and public transport towards car use over the 50-year period. In addition, both the average commuting distance and travel time increased significantly.
In 1959, walking was by far the most common method, accounting for 55% of commuters. Buses and trains were used by equal proportions, at 15% each, while cars represented only 10%. Other forms of transport were the least popular, making up just 5%. At that time, the average distance travelled was 3.5 kilometres, and the typical journey lasted 17 minutes.
By 2009, car use had risen dramatically to become the dominant mode at 35%. In contrast, the proportion of people walking fell sharply to 25%. Bus usage declined slightly to 13%, whereas train travel remained unchanged at 15%. The share of other transport methods increased to 12%. Meanwhile, the average commuting distance rose to 19 kilometres, and the average duration more than doubled to 42 minutes.