In French, the term commuting refers to all the daily journeys that an employee, or more broadly a worker, makes between home and work. Borrowed from the English to commute, it applies to all forms of transport: walking, cycling, train, streetcar, bus, car, car-sharing, scooter or company shuttle. Commuting is more than just a way of getting around; it influences quality of life, the organization of time and, increasingly, the environmental strategy of companies.
The word appeared in 19th-century English-language literature to describe residents who "commuted" a daily commute for a cheaper rail pass. In French, the term is also used to describe commuters. The people involved are known as commuters (in English) or, more rarely, navetteurs (in French). The verb commuter is sometimes used in specialized circles, but everyday language prefers "faire le trajet" or "aller au travail".
Commuting conditions vary according to city, country and available modes of transport. In large urban areas, average commuting times often exceed forty minutes a day, with peaks of over an hour in densely populated capital cities. In the countryside, distances are sometimes longer, but the reduced traffic can compensate for the time taken. The growing use of bicycles and soft mobility (electrically-assisted bikes, scooters) is changing the distribution of means of transport: people are looking for time savings, lower costs and health benefits.
While each journey is unique, a distinction is generally made between :
For employees, commuting has a direct impact on fatigue, stress and the time available for personal life. A long, unpredictable commute can reduce productivity as soon as you arrive at the office. For employers, the hidden cost can be measured in delays, absenteeism, reduced commitment or the loss of talent. Hybrid working policies and partial remote work are strategic responses today: by reducing the frequency of travel, they improve well-being and reduce CO₂ emissions linked to transport.
In several European countries, legislation encourages the use of two-wheeled vehicles by providing a mileage allowance or covering the cost ofaccessories (helmet, anti-theft device, lighting). Companies can also provide showers, changing rooms and secure parking. These easy-to-implement measures reduce traffic congestion, reduce the need for parking spaces and promote employee health.
Commuting accounts for a significant proportion of greenhouse gas emissions in major metropolitan areas; in France, it is estimated to account for almost a quarter of daily motorized travel. Public policies are encouraging multimodality and a shift to cleaner forms of transport (rail, bike, electric buses). Companies are lining up with mobility plans: bicycle fleets, collective shuttles, subsidized train passes or staggered working hours to avoid rush hour.
The health crisis has heightened awareness: we no longer "commute" five days out of five out of habit. The 2-3 day office model is becoming more widespread, combined with satellite spaces and coworking. This trend is reconfiguring the choice of where to live: some families are moving further away from city centers, opting for less frequent but longer commutes, while others prefer immediate proximity to get around on foot or by bike.
Commuting is more than just a way of getting around; it's a key parameter in both professional and personal life. By combining sustainable mobility, flexible working hours and hybrid working, organizations and individuals can reduce the time spent commuting, control costs and limit their carbon footprint. Understanding and optimizing commuting means improving quality of life, economic performance and the environmental impact of our daily activities.
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