The number of people driving to work has fallen in the past two years, while the number using trains and buses is up five-fold, research reveals.
The 10th annual Barclaycard Business Travel survey of 2,500 UK workers shows that three-quarters of UK drivers still use the car to commute, but that number has dropped from 86% last year and 92% in 2004.
One in 10 now use trains – in 2004 it was 2%. Bus use is up from 0.2% to 1%, while 16% said they would walk or cycle if possible.
However, 86% of those quizzed for said if it weren’t for rising costs and congestion, they would still drive.
Tim Carlier, head of issuing at Barclaycard, said: “Whether the reduction in car travel is over concern for the environment, or a reaction to increased fuel prices and congestion charging, it is encouraging.”
The survey also shows that men travel for their work twice the weekly distance of women.
Men travel 662 miles (1,065 kilometers) on average each week, compared with women, who travel almost half that amount at 335 miles (539 kilometers).
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