Car commutes the only option for 40% of drivers
Nearly half of motorists say public transport is not a viable alternative to car commutes, according to the RAC.
Its survey found that 40% of drivers say their only option for getting to work is by private car, with that figure rising to 70% for those living in rural areas.
Meanwhile, 81% say their lifestyle is dependent on having a private vehicle. The figure is 65% among those under 25, 77% for those aged 25 to 44, 84% for drivers between 45 and 64 and 86% for over 65s.
Less than a third (29%) of all drivers say public transport is an attractive alternative to driving. This is up from 26% in 2023 and 23% in 2022.
However, 53% of drivers said they would use public transport more often if it was convenient, reliable and less expensive.
Car commutes
RAC head of policy Simon Williams 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.
“Car dependency also seems to increase with age. Young people clearly have a desire and, in many cases, a need to drive, but the convenience and freedom it brings seems to become more important as the decades pass.
“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.”
