Are you on an overcrowded train right now, asking yourself, “Is an hour commute too long?”. Perhaps you wake up just to sit in traffic and question the job for which you endure a tedious two-hour drive on a daily basis. Maybe you’re one of the lucky ones, with the audacity to feel hard done by as you arrive at the office thirty minutes after leaving your house. Though it may vary in length, the commute is something that unites us all.
We all have to do it, and yet for many, it is a significant chunk of time we often dread. In this article, we’ll explore the economic and environmental consequences of commutes as well as the effects on individual health and well-being. We hope if nothing else, our article will provide comfort in the knowledge that you are not alone.
Stats and Trends
The Data in our article comes from the 2021 Labour Force Survey conducted by the Office for National Statistics found on the Gov.uk Website. Participants were asked about their usual commuting arrangements. It must be noted that these could differ significantly in the new post pandemic world.
Methods of Commute
From the above graphics, one can get an idea about how the nation commutes. It’s immediately obvious that the overwhelming majority of the UK travelled to work by car. When considering London specifically, this percentage fell significantly from 68% to 28% in favour of rail and bus alternatives. This makes sense due to ultra-low emission zones (ULEZ) and general congestion which discourage this environmentally problematic practice.
In all honesty, we aren’t too sure what mode of transportation qualifies as ‘other’. Rumour has it the ONS caught Marty McFly on his way to Doc’s house. Be sure to send in any pictures of commuters you see on flying skateboards or any other less conventional means of travel.
Commute Lengths
While we all travel in very different ways, we all also do so for varying lengths of time. The walkers among us have it best, just 15 minutes on average in the UK. Cyclists also seem to have it rather good with a national average commute length of just 22 minutes. We suppose it’s easy to shave a few minutes off when you don’t wait for traffic lights… Commuters heading into the capital by rail had the longest average commute at 58 minutes. This is likely because they travel the greatest distance from commuter towns opting to live away from the hustle and bustle of central London. The good news- more time to enjoy with your friends here at Commuter Mob!
In recent years, there has been a notable shift in how we approach commuting. The rise of telecommuting and remote work, accelerated by technological advancements, has disrupted the traditional daily commute. More people are finding ways to work from home, reducing the need for long daily journeys to the office. In the post pandemic world we have seen the light and rightfully become less tolerant to long tedious commutes when often zoom calls and emails exchanges have been proven to suffice.
Economic and Environmental Impact
Long Commutes come at a significant economic cost. One example is the continual increase in the cost of rail cards. It is normal nowadays for a rail commuter to be spending well in excess of £4,000 annually. All that money to not even be guaranteed the luxury of a seat! The expenses related to fuel, vehicle maintenance and public transport can add up quickly, affecting the financial well-being of individuals and families. The hidden costs of time spent commuting, such as reduced productivity and increased stress, must also be noted.
From an environmental perspective, long commutes contribute to air pollution, traffic congestion, and greenhouse gas emissions. This puts additional strain on our already fragile ecosystem, highlighting the urgency of addressing commute lengths and their environmental consequences.
Health and Wellbeing
The toll on physical and mental health due to long commutes cannot be understated. Prolonged sitting (if you’re lucky enough!) , stress, and limited time for exercise can lead to health issues like obesity and cardiovascular problems. The daily grind of long commutes can also have adverse effects on mental well-being, leading to increased stress and fatigue. At Commuter Mob we aim to step in here and offer you recommendations and content to make your journey more pleasurable, please check out the resources on our website. If you are able to, reducing commute lengths has been shown to significantly improve health and wellbeing, allowing individuals to spend more time with their families, exercise and engage in leisure activities.
Urban Planning and Infrastructure
Urban planning and public transportation play a critical role in addressing excessive commute lengths. Cities worldwide are striving to become more walkable, bike-friendly, and accessible via public transit. Only 4% of commutes in Great Britain are done using pedal bikes, an area which clearly needs development. A positive sign is London’s comparatively low percentage of car commutes when compared with the rest of the UK (28% compared to 68%). Whether this is a feature of successful public transport and cycle lane alternatives or just painful amounts of traffic is up for debate. Nevertheless, investments in infrastructure can reduce the need for long car commutes, befitting both the environment and health of residents.
Work- Life Balance
Long commutes often disrupt work-life balance, leaving individuals with limited time to spend with their families and engage in hobbies. However, the advent of flexible work hours and remote work has opened new possibilities. Many people have found ways to regain control of their time, blurring the lines between work and personal life in a positive way. Commuter Mob also provides suggestions for how the commute can be used productively in these areas.
Solutions and Mitigation
The are practical solutions for reducing commute lengths including carpooling, biking, using public transportation, and even moving closer to work. Commutes nowadays are often a reason for leaving jobs altogether.
Additionally, as more organisations are embracing flexible work hours and telecommuting, commutes will naturally be reduced. Stress and costs associated with commuting should consequently fall in tandem. At Commuter Mob we hope by viewing our content and resources we can be part of the solution. We suggest ways in which your commute can be put to good use and soon become one of the highlights of your day, or at least just not one of the worst parts of it!
Conclusion
Whether it’s by adopting new technologies, advocating for better public transportation, or simply rethinking your daily routine altogether, there are numerous ways to ensure you aren’t enduring a ridiculously long commute. As we reach the end of this article, you may now consider making lifestyle changes to shorten your commute. Less dramatically, we hope this article has at least helped you to see how you stack up against the rest of the population and gain some perspective for your own personal commuting experience. Our aim at Commuter Mob is to build a community where we can all share the trials and tribulations commuters face on a daily basis. By doing so we hope to combat the feelings of loneliness many experience during this time of day. Join the Mob and let us know how long your commute is.