New research from Chase1 reveals how commuters in different UK cities are making the most of their journeys, with local preferences ranging from music and social media to podcasts, reading and simply switching off:
- Most likely to listen to music – commuters in Belfast (58% v 43% average)
- Most likely to scroll socials – commuters in Glasgow (33% vs 24% average)
- Most likely to listen to podcasts – commuters in Brighton (23% vs 17% average)
- Most likely to read – commuters in London (16% vs 11% average)
- Most likely to meditate – commuters in Manchester (6% vs 4% average)
- Most likely to read the news – commuters in London (16% vs 11% average)
- Most likely to do work – commuters in Norwich (13% vs 6% average)
- Most likely to do nothing – commuters in Plymouth (23% vs 8% average)
Nationwide, commuters are more likely to use their travel time to unwind than to get things done (76% vs 44%). Listening to music is the most popular activity (43%), followed by scrolling through social media (24%). Radio remains more popular than podcasts, with 22% tuning in compared with 17% listening to a favourite podcast. Social media scrolling peaks among 25–34-year-olds, at 32% compared with 22% among other age groups.
Those starting out in work – young commuters aged 18-24 – are the chattiest. They’re most likely to speak to friends or family on the phone whilst on their way to or from work (14% vs 9% of 25+) and the most likely to chat in person to those they’re commuting with (13% vs 7% of 25+). They are also a productive cohort, being twice as likely to spend their commute online shopping (12% vs 6% of 25+) or tackling life admin (12% vs 6% of 25+ for both activities).
Together, the findings reveal that there is no single way to commute: whether people are listening, scrolling, reading, working or doing nothing at all, the journey is becoming time to spend in their own way.
Binay Agarwala, Managing Director for Rewards and Lending at Chase, says: “Across the UK, the daily commute is becoming more than just a journey, but an opportunity to make daily lifestyle choices. For some, it is a chance to get organised with work, catch up on loved one’s messages, have a moment of mindfulness or simply to do nothing at all. We are excited to be partnering with TfL and helping our customers to get more from their everyday spending and earn cashback on their commute.”
Rewarding your commute
Chase customers can earn 2% cashback – up to £20 – when they use their Chase debit card to pay for their everyday transport (including train, tram, buses and ferries)2. That cashback is also available across spending on groceries, dining, fuel and electric charging. Find out more here.
