Global Travel Habits Unveiled: Cars, Public Transit, and Active Mobility in America, Europe, and Asia

A new visualization based on research data from “The ABC of Mobility,” a paper by Rafael Prieto-Curiel (Complexity Science Hub) and Juan P. Ospina (EAFIT University), provides fascinating insights into transportation preferences across various regions. The authors conducted travel surveys in 800 cities across 61 countries to analyze the primary modes of transport used for weekday trips.

Regional Modal Shares:

The chart below demonstrates the significant differences in transportation habits across the Americas, Europe, and Asia.

Region	🚗 Cars	🚌 Public Transport	🚶 Walking/Biking
North America*	92%	5%	4%
Central America	23%	42%	35%
South America	29%	40%	31%
Northern Europe	48%	29%	24%
Western Europe	43%	24%	34%
Southern Europe	50%	24%	25%
Eastern Europe	35%	40%	25%
Southeastern Asia	44%	43%	13%
Western Asia	43%	28%	29%
Southern Asia	22%	39%	39%
Eastern Asia	19%	46%	35%
World Avg.	51%	26%	22%

Source: The ABC of Mobility, Environment International, 2024

Key Observations:

1. North American Car Culture:

In the U.S. and Canada, people heavily rely on cars to get around, no matter the size of the city. North America leads the world in car dependency, with cars accounting for 92% of all trips. Public transport and active mobility (walking/biking) account for a combined total of just 9% in the U.S. and Canada.

There are exceptions, of course, such as New York, Toronto, and smaller college towns across the United States. For example, New York and Toronto are notable exceptions due to their extensive public transport networks.

2. Public Transport’s Dominance in Asia and Latin America:

Southern and Eastern Asia have the highest share of public transport usage, at 39% and 46% respectively. These regions have invested heavily in mass transit systems that are crucial for their densely populated cities.

In Central America and South America, public transport is also a significant mode of transportation, representing around 40% of all trips. Cars remain relevant but are not as dominant as in North America.

In Eastern Asia, cars are only used for 19% of trips, compared to 46% for public transport. These regions also have relatively high levels of active mobility due to the compact nature of many of their urban environments.

3. Europe’s Diverse Transportation Mix:

Europe presents a diverse transportation landscape, with marked differences in modal share across sub-regions.

• Northern Europe: Northern Europe, with its strong cycling cultures, sees a higher proportion of trips made by walking/biking (24%). Cities like Copenhagen and Amsterdam are global leaders in cycling infrastructure and bike-friendly urban planning.
• Western Europe: Western Europe has a balanced mix between cars, public transport, and active mobility, reflecting different preferences between cities like Paris and Manchester.
• Southern Europe: In Southern Europe, cars still play a significant role, accounting for 50% of trips. Nevertheless, public transport and walking/biking remain substantial components.
• Eastern Europe: Eastern Europe shows a higher share of public transport usage at 40%, with cars contributing 35% to overall travel.

This comprehensive study reveals substantial global differences in how people get around. North America’s reliance on cars stands in stark contrast to the more balanced transport usage seen in other regions, especially Asia and Latin America. Europe’s mix of transport choices highlights regional differences, while Asia and Latin America emphasize the importance of public transport.

As outlined in the paper, Europe sees more city-level differences in transport popularity:

• Utrecht, Netherlands: Prefers walking and biking.
• Paris, France & London, UK: Residents use their extensive transit systems.
• Manchester, UK & Rome, Italy: Roughly two out of three journeys are by car.

Note: Percentages are rounded and may not total 100%. North America data excludes Mexico.