New research from the RAC states that four out of 10 drivers have no choice but to drive to work. When asked if commuting by public transport was an option, only around a third (31%) stated they could take the bus.
The number of drivers who have a car at home but choose to walk, cycle or use public transport to get to work is just 8%, according to the survey. The data shows how reliant the country is on cars, with 81% of drivers saying that adjusting to life without a vehicle would be very difficult.
Drivers who live in town and city centres are slightly more likely to take the bus to work, with half doing so. This is compared to around a quarter (26%) of motorists who live in the suburbs and 11% that live rurally.
Close to two-thirds (63%) of drivers told the RAC they always commute by car. This could be attributed to the fact that just 29% of motorists view public transport as a good alternative to driving. Yet, this figure has increased from 26% in 2023 and 23% in 2022. Despite this, more than half of vehicle owners said they would use their car less if public transport services were improved.
Simon Williams, the RAC’s head of policy, said: “Our research shows that the car remains central to so many people’s lives. While those in more rural areas are most car dependent, half of those in urban centres also don’t see public transport as a viable alternative for their daily commute.
“While the current Government is very focused on improving public transport across the board, we suspect the car will always be essential to many people’s lives.”
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