In the Czech Republic, cars have become the preferred mode of transportation for commuting to work or school, with nearly 57% of people choosing cars or motorcycles.
This is twice as many as those who rely on public transportation, which accounts for just under a quarter of commuters. The remaining individuals either walk or use bicycles. The data, published last week by the Czech Statistical Office, reveals this trend and highlights how Czechs generally prefer private vehicles over public transport.
“In all regions except Prague, the most commonly used means of transportation for commuting to work was the car,” the statisticians noted on their website.
While public transportation predominates in Prague, residents in the western parts of the country, particularly in the Karlovy Vary and Plzeň regions, overwhelmingly favor cars.
Sociologist Josef Bernard from the Institute of Sociology of the Czech Academy of Sciences attributes the car dominance to the country’s transportation infrastructure. “In cities, the share of public transport is usually higher than in rural areas. And the lower the population density in a region and the more fragmented the built-up area, the more cars are used because public transport is much less frequently used for daily commutes,” he explains.
He also points out that the lack of developed infrastructure in some rural areas can create challenges for elderly people, particularly when it comes to travel for shopping or medical visits. This situation can also impact young people’s ability to commute to school. Those without driving licenses or the ability to drive are at a clear disadvantage.
