Scotland’s travel patterns have yet to return to pre-pandemic norms, with fewer journeys and shifting habits continuing to define 2023, according to new statistics from Transport Scotland.
The Transport and Travel in Scotland report, based on the Scottish Household Survey, reveals that only 64% of people made a journey the day before being surveyed, up from 61% in 2022 but still far below the 74% recorded in 2019.
The average number of daily journeys per person has also dropped, sitting at 1.6 in 2023 compared to 1.9 in 2019.
Driving remains the most common mode of transport, accounting for 51% of journeys in 2023, though this has fallen from 55% the year before.
Walking saw a modest increase, with 25% of journeys made on foot, up from 23% in 2022, while journeys as a car or van passenger held steady at 12%.
Public transport usage remains limited, with buses accounting for 7% of journeys and rail travel just 2%, highlighting ongoing challenges in getting people back on board.
Homeworking appears to have permanently altered commuting habits, with 29% of employed people working from home in 2023, more than double the 16% reported in 2019.
The proportion of employees commuting five days a week has plummeted, falling from 62% in 2019 to just 41% in 2023.
Public satisfaction with transport services is slowly recovering, with 64% of respondents expressing satisfaction in 2023, up from 58% in 2022, though still below the 68% recorded before the pandemic.
Among recent users of public transport, satisfaction is higher, with 74% reporting positive experiences in 2023.
Electric vehicle (EV) ownership continues to rise, with 4.7% of driving licence holders now owning an EV, a significant increase from 1.6% in 2019 and just 0.3% in 2016.
However, resistance to EV adoption is growing, with 54% of drivers saying they would not consider buying an electric car in 2023, up from 42% the previous year.
High costs, limited charging infrastructure, and concerns about battery range were cited as the top reasons for avoiding EVs, underscoring barriers to wider adoption.
As travel patterns evolve, the report highlights the enduring impact of the pandemic and the work still required to address public concerns and restore confidence in sustainable transport.
