The suffocating traffic in major cities is no longer just an infrastructure problem; it has become a real economic burden. According to a recent survey conducted by Bolt, over 58% of Bucharest residents spend more than an hour commuting each day, and 9% report spending more than two hours.
Furthermore, 76.4% of respondents from Bucharest commute to work daily or almost daily, with many covering distances of over 20 kilometers. Romania, along with the Czech Republic and Germany, ranks among the top European countries with the longest commuting distances.
Personal Cars: Comfort or Trap?
Nearly 42% of Bucharest residents use their personal cars for commuting—a decision that comes with a series of hidden costs. Beyond direct expenses such as fuel and maintenance, there are also indirect costs to consider, including stress (reported by 41.5% of drivers), parking difficulties, and time lost in traffic.
However, 55% of respondents say that using their personal car actually reduces their stress, as it gives them control over their route and schedule. Public transportation is used by 45% of Bucharest residents.
Although only 6% of respondents commute on foot, the data clearly shows that walking, cycling, or using scooters helps reduce stress. In fact, 66% of those who walk to work state that this mode of commuting improves their mental well-being.
