Bolt has released the results of a new international survey examining how commuting impacts everyday life and mental well-being.
The study, conducted across 10 countries with over 3,300 respondents, offers new insight into the emotional realities of daily travel and what needs to change.
Commuting is a daily reality for most
At least 75% of respondents in all countries surveyed reported commuting either daily or 4–6 times a week.
The highest daily commute rates were reported in Lagos, Nigeria (83.4%), Poland (83%), and Czech Republic (82.4%).
Nearly half of all respondents said their daily commute takes at least an hour, with notable peaks in Romania (58%) and Nigeria (52%), where a significant portion also reported commuting for over two hours each day.
In all countries surveyed, nearly half of respondents commute more than 20km daily, with Czechs, Romanians, and Germans covering the longest distances overall.
The survey confirms that commuting affects mental health: 20–30% of respondents said commuting always or often negatively impacts their mental health. An additional ~35% said it sometimes does.
Commuting Trade-Offs: Control vs. Well-Being
Across all 10 countries, private cars are the most popular primary mode of commuting (43%), followed by public transport (38%).
While 35–40% of car commuters say they feel stress while commuting, a majority also report that commuting by car reduces their stress levels.
This duality suggests that commuting-related stress may stem from external factors such as traffic, reckless drivers, or parking, while car ownership and control over travel may bring a sense of security and relief.
On the other end of the spectrum, modes that involve physical activity and autonomy — such as cycling, walking, and shared scooters — consistently ranked highest in satisfaction and lowest in mental health strain.
Respondents who walk or cycle report the least stress and widely agree that these modes improve their well-being.
What needs to change? Rethinking the Commute
Respondents overwhelmingly agreed that reduced traffic congestion would significantly ease stress.
Other helpful changes cited include shorter commute times, active transport options, better work-from-home flexibility, and switching to public transport.
The survey findings underscore the importance of active and micromobility options, reinforcing the need to make them more accessible and appealing through urban planning. They also point to the need for improved public infrastructure to support active commuting, greater availability of remote work options, and a shift toward flexible, hybrid commuting models that combine private vehicles with active and shared mobility solutions.
With commuting deeply embedded in everyday life, reimagining how we move through our cities could have a profound impact on mental well-being, productivity, and quality of life.
