49 Per Cent of Commuters Plan to use Their Own Vehicle, as Travel Habits Shift

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• 49 Per Cent of Commuters Plan to use Their Own Vehicle, as Travel Habits Shift

30 June 2020

COVID-19 will revolutionise the way we commute, stemming from a lack of confidence in public transport, says Addison Lee.

Research shows that 6 out of 10 London commuters will change the way they travel when the return to work begins, with COVID-19 safety concerns changing transport demand patterns.

Results are based on an online survey carried out with 1,000 people who commute within or into London on a regular basis, across the capital’s 32 boroughs.

“To ensure that all modes of transport can play their part in helping Londoners back to work safely and in a manner that supports the environment, we need a common set of safety standards that give consumers confidence to travel, no matter who the provider is.”

–Liam Griffin

CEO, Addison Lee 

55 Per Cent Plan to Change the Time of their Commute 

56 per cent of commuters who travel into London said that they plan to do their journey to work differently, with many already clear about changes they’ll make:

• 55 per cent plan to change the time of their commute to avoid peak hours
• 49 per cent plan to use their own vehicle – up from 23 per cent pre-pandemic
• 28 per cent plan to complete at least part of their journey on foot
• 40 per cent plan to use private hire vehicles as part of their journey

The survey suggests that planned changes to the commute stem from a lack of confidence in public transport amid continued safety concerns. 69 per cent of London commuters say that, even with the introduction of face coverings, taking public transport to and from work makes them feel anxious, while 72 per cent say that they will avoid using the tube during their commute unless essential when they return to work. 70 per cent also say they are concerned at the thought of colleagues using public transport.

When asked what safety measures would make them feel more confident about travelling to and from work, 80 per cent said private hire vehicles should be allowed to install safety screens to protect drivers and passengers. 

London COVID-19 Transition Board

In response to the findings, Addison Lee is asking the London COVID-19 Transition Board, co-chaired by Sadiq Khan and Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick, to make the safe return to work a priority and actively work with all the capital’s transport providers on a common set of safety standards.

This will give commuters confidence to return to work using a variety of means of transport that respect social distancing and the capital’s environmental needs. In addition to the use of face coverings and respecting the recommended social distance, these standards include: installation of partition screens, availability of hand sanitiser on transport and at termini, regular deep disinfection and mandatory regular provision by transport providers of PPE for transport workers.

Helping Londoners Get Back to Work Safely

Liam Griffin, Addison Lee’s CEO commented: “Our research shows a clear shift away from commuting on public transport due to safety concerns. 

“To ensure that all modes of transport can play their part in helping Londoners back to work safely and in a manner that supports the environment, we need a common set of safety standards that give consumers the confidence to travel, no matter who the provider is.

“Addison Lee wants to work with the London COVID-19 Transition Board and other stakeholders to agree to this and help our capital back to work.”

Picture: A photograph showing a person waiting to board a subway or underground travel cab

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 30 June 2020

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