The persevering commuter - Duration of long-distance commuting

A growing number of people are long-distance commuters. For some long-distance commuting is a temporary solution, while as for others it can be a more long-term strategy to promote career and income. This study addresses duration of long-distance commuting - 30 km or more between home and work - in Sweden, and what characterizes individuals who commute for shorter or longer periods. The effects of long-distance commuting in terms of economic outcome for both partners in a commuter household are analysed. The study is based on register data for the years 1995-2005 covering all long-distance commuters in Sweden. One finding is that previous experience of long-distance commuting makes it more likely to have a long duration of long-distance commuting. In addition economic incentives, such as a higher income, are positively correlated for continuing to long-distance commuting more than a few years. Furthermore, the analysis shows that male commuters benefit more in terms of economic outcome of long-distance commuting. It is concluded that the trend with increasing long-distance commuting can sustain not only gender differences on the labour market but also within households. Finally, the paper indicates that long-distance commuting is a strategic mobility choice for households, rather than a short-term solution for a few years.

• Record URL:
  http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6VG7-4YWS643-1/2/f309c433031971c7fad36fd1f0e90fc2
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/09658564
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Abstract reprinted with permission from Elsevier
• Authors:
  • Sandow, Erika
  • Westin, Kerstin
• Publication Date: 2010-7

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 433-445
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice
  • Volume: 44
  • Issue Number: 6
  • Publisher: Elsevier
  • ISSN: 0965-8564
  • Serial URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/09658564

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Commuters; Commuting; Economics; Gender; Households; Travel behavior; Trip length
• Geographic Terms: Sweden
• Subject Areas: Society; Transportation (General);

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01162781
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS, ATRI
• Created Date: Jul 16 2010 11:37AM