Efficiency of the daily commute

Key Finding

Getting home in peak hour traffic is becoming a little slower but there’s been no change in the average morning commuter travel time.

• Average travel time during the weekday morning peak hour was 11.5 minutes per 10 kilometres in 2018–19 (unchanged from 2017–18).
• Average travel time during the weekday afternoon peak hour was 12.1 minutes per 10 kilometres in 2018–19 (11.9 minutes per 10 kilometres in 2017–18).

In general, the performance of the AM peak is better compared to the PM peak due to a longer peak period observed in the afternoon. It is likely that commuters extended their journey to home by including other activities, such as shopping and social activities. Therefore more travelling was observed in afternoon congested conditions compared to the AM peak.

The road system network is performing at generally the same levels considering the increases in population, traffic and economic growth, particularly in South East Queensland. It can be assumed from this performance that the current traffic efficiency compared to previous years is not significantly adding to greenhouse gas emissions that could impact on climate change.

More information:

• Department of Transport and Main Roads Annual Report

Relevant Sustainable Development Goals’ targets

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