SINGAPORE, March 06, 2025 - A new YouGov survey commissioned by Budget Direct Insurance sheds light on how Singaporeans navigate their daily commute. The findings reveal that commute time and convenience are top priorities for many workers, with public transport remaining the dominant mode of travel.

The survey of more than 1,000 Singaporeans highlights shifting commuting patterns influenced by hybrid work arrangements and evolving transport preferences. While over half of the respondents (57%) report working fully on-site, many hybrid workers structure their office days earlier in the week, and an overwhelming majority consider commute time an important factor when evaluating a new job.

Hybrid Work and the Front-Loaded Workweek

Among surveyed workers, 57% are fully back in the office, while others continue with hybrid or fully remote setups. For those with hybrid arrangements, work schedules are typically front-loaded, with office attendance highest from Monday to Wednesday.

The survey indicates that 69% of hybrid workers are on-site on Wednesdays, making it the most common day for office attendance. 63% work in-office on Tuesdays, and 59% on Mondays. By Friday, office attendance drops to 41%, and on weekends, as you'd expect only 10% of respondents work on Saturdays and 5% on Sundays.

This pattern suggests that workers are prioritising in-person collaboration early in the week, before transitioning to remote work as the weekend approaches.

Public Transport Remains the Most Popular Choice

Survey respondents overwhelmingly rely on public transport, reinforcing Singapore’s car-lite vision.

• 60% commute via MRT/LRT

• 56% take public buses

• 25% walk to work

In contrast, only 23% drive, and just 12% use private hire services like Grab or Gojek. Other modes, such as bicycles (6%) and motorcycles (3%), remain niche transport choices.

When choosing how to commute, respondents rank convenience (69%), commute time (66%), and cost (60%) as the most important factors. Waiting time (52%), accessibility (44%), and comfort (39%) also play a role, though safety (33%) and sustainability (18%) rank lower.

Commute Time Plays a Major Role in Job Decisions

The survey highlights that 95% of respondents consider commute time important when assessing new job opportunities.

Most respondents report a one-way commute of 30 to 60 minutes, with:

• 32% commuting for 31 to 45 minutes

• 26% commuting for 46 to 60 minutes

• 23% commuting for 16 to 30 minutes

Notably, among those with a 46 to 60-minute commute, more than half (56%) feel it is too long. Dissatisfaction rises sharply as commute times increase, with 77% of those commuting 61 to 75 minutes considering it excessive.

These insights suggest that commute length directly impacts job satisfaction, making efficient travel options a priority for workers.

Importance of commute time when considering a new job

Singapore’s Car-Lite Vision: The Future of Commuting

With Singapore’s push towards a car-lite society, investments in public transport and active mobility continue to reshape commuting habits.

Key initiatives include:

• Expanding the MRT network to 360 km by the early 2030s, improving accessibility

• Extending the Cycling Path Network to over 1,000 km by 2040, promoting alternative transport

• Implementing the Walk Cycle Ride SG plan, making pedestrian and cycling routes more convenient

Upcoming infrastructure projects such as the Cross Island Line (CRL) and Jurong Region Line (JRL) are expected to significantly reduce travel times, providing faster and more seamless connections across the island.

The Future of Work and Urban Mobility

As hybrid work models persist, employers are adapting by factoring commute times into workplace strategies. Flexible work arrangements, decentralised office locations, and digital workplace solutions are becoming more common as businesses seek to enhance work-life balance and attract talent.

With continued improvements in public transport, urban planning, and sustainability efforts, Singapore’s transport landscape is set to become faster, greener, and more efficient, ensuring that commuters can travel conveniently and affordably.

About the Survey

This data was collected in January 2025 through a YouGov survey of 1,055 Singaporeans across various industries, analysing current work arrangements, commuting behaviours, and transport preferences.

About Budget Direct Insurance

Budget Direct Insurance is an award-winning online digital insurance company specialising in car, motorcycle, commercial vehicle and travel insurance. It is part of an international group that provides insurance solutions to millions of policyholders worldwide. Its brands include Compare the Market in the UK, Budget Direct in Australia, and Telesure in South Africa.