UK Transportation Trends: Shift Towards Public Transport and Cycling

Here are two charts describing the main modes of transportation for people going to university or work in the UK in 2004 and 2009. In 2004, the majority of people drove to university, accounting for 51%. Next was taking the bus, accounting for 33%, followed by cycling, accounting for 9%. Walking and taking the train were less common, with only 4% of people walking to university and the fewest people, 3%, taking the train.

By 2009, there was a significant change in the modes of transportation for people going to university or work. The proportion of people driving, which was previously the highest at 51%, decreased to 28%. The proportion of people taking the train or walking did not change much, with the train accounting for 4% and walking accounting for 6%. The proportions of people cycling and taking the bus changed significantly, with cycling accounting for 16% (up from 9%) and taking the bus becoming the most popular mode of transportation, accounting for 46%.

From the comparison between 2004 and 2009, it can be inferred that people's attitudes towards transportation have changed. People are more concerned about the environment and are more likely to take public transportation or cycle, resulting in a significant increase in the proportion of people cycling and taking the bus and a decrease in the proportion of people driving.