The table compares how daily commuter trips were made in Amsterdam, Houston and Seoul in 2021. Overall, the cities display markedly different patterns: cycling dominates in Amsterdam, the car in Houston and public transport in Seoul.
In Amsterdam, bicycles accounted for the largest share of trips at 38 per cent, well ahead of the car at 22 per cent. Rail, at 18 per cent, came next, while buses and walking accounted for 12 and 10 per cent respectively.
Houston presents a stark contrast, as 78 per cent of commuter trips were made by car, more than three times the car share in either of the other two cities. Public transport played a minor role, with buses at 8 per cent and rail at just 3 per cent, while cycling was marginal at 2 per cent.
Seoul had the most balanced public transport system. Rail was the most common mode at 31 per cent, closely followed by buses at 29 per cent, so public transport together accounted for 60 per cent of trips. Car use stood at 24 per cent and walking at 12 per cent, while cycling was the least common option at 4 per cent.