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.
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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).
