Band 9: The graphs below show how people in a European city reached their office and got back home in 1959 and 2009. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

The pie charts provide a comparative analysis of commuting methods employed by residents of a European city in 1959 and 2009.

A notable evolution in transportation preferences is evident over the five-decade span, characterized by a significant increase in average commuting distance and time.

In 1959, the principal mode of transportation was walking, accounting for a substantial 55% of total journeys. Commuters covered an average distance of 3.5 kilometers, with a corresponding duration of 17 minutes. The reliance on public transport was minimal, with both bus and train usage at 15% each. Other means of transportation paled in comparison, represented by only 5% for ‘other’ and 10% for cars.

Contrastingly, by 2009, there was a marked shift in commuting dynamics. The prevalence of car usage surged to 15%, while bus transportation became the most popular option, increasing to 35%. Walking, once the dominant method, declined significantly to 25%. The train maintained a steady 13%, and ‘other’ transport options saw a modest rise to 12%. The average distance escalated to 19 kilometers, reflecting an increase in average commuting time to 42 minutes, illustrating the changing landscape of urban mobility.