Australian Public Transportation Trends: 1996-2006

The table illustrates the proportion of Australian adults using public transportation for work and study in seven cities between 1996 and 2006. Overall, only Hobart and Canberra showed a decrease in the percentage of people using public transportation.

In 1996, not only were Sydney citizens more likely to take public transport than those in other cities, but this percentage increased by an additional 13% over the following decade. In comparison, Brisbane and Adelaide had higher rates of increase, from 12% to 16% and 14% to 17% respectively during that time period. Perth and Melbourne also experienced an increase, but to a lesser extent, with only 16% and 9% respectively.

In contrast, the number of people using public transportation in Hobart and Canberra declined over time. Hobart's percentage dropped from 11% to 9%, while Canberra's dropped from 12% to 8% during this decade.

By 2006, Sydney still had the highest percentage of people using public transportation, whereas Canberra had the lowest percentage.