Commuting to work is a part of everyone's daily routine. However, while you might be stuck in a highway traffic jam or walking the city streets on your way to an office, around the world, things are done a little differently. Whether it's climbing a mountain to get to class or maneuvering a dangerous terrain, these are the most insane ways people start their days...
Zoji La Pass
Office animals are all the rage with millennial workplaces, but not so much in India, where residents have to travel on the Zoji La Pass. In order to visit cities like Ladakh and Kashmir, travelers must pass through this strip that's 11,575 feet up in the mountains. Sure, there are great views, but the steep cliffs and narrow roads make this crazy unsafe. not to mention, the masses of animals that also pass through.
Kite Commute
If you're out on the open ocean, look out for kite surfers like David Grimes. The I.T manager can be seen kite surfing to his office most days. He claims to sail about 20 miles per hour in order to get to work every day. The clean sea air and open area make riding the waves way more agreeable than sitting in traffic for an hour. After his 30-minute trek is done, he changes into a suit and tie.
Bus Climbers
If you're getting around in Karachi, Pakistan, you'd probably ride in a taxi or rickshaw. However, space is scarce, so it's not uncommon to see people clinging to the sides of a bus or car when there's no more room inside. Notice how the inside of this photo shows every space packed with people. Visitors might find this strange but for locals, it's just a way to get to work.
North Yungas Route
This 43-mile road is nothing but guaranteed trouble. It reaches a maximum height of about 2,000 feet in some parts. This tourist attraction has some deadly consequences, but it's also a commute for many. It's nicknamed "Death Road" due to the massive amounts of fallen people and fatal crashes. Every year, at least 300 different people lose their life on this 10-foot wide road.
Mountain Scaling
While some people ride atop the mountains, others are forced to climb them. A group of students in China spends their commute to school climbing the ladders and cliffs to get to their classes. Their village is called Atule'er, which translates to a cliff village. Their total time used to be 3 hours up the 4,593-foot mountain on rickety ladders, but once the government replaced them with steel ladders, the time became one hour.
Paddle Board Across the Hudson
Scott Holt was pretty late to a meeting when he realized he could get through traffic by going by water. He didn't get to the ferry in time, so instead, he paddle-boarded across the Hudson River in his business attire. He got from Jersey City to New York City in just a half-hour. Though things got a little tricky at some points, Scott managed to make his meeting in time.
Bangladesh Boats
Life on the open waters isn't always as pleasant for others. In Bangladesh, it's very common for commuters in Dhaka to cross the Buriganga river on dangerous tiny boats. The waters are often really unstable due to passing cargo ships, and the crowds don't help. Even in good weather, the boat commuters risk their lives to get to the city center or more neighborhoods. It's not safe at all.
Riding Reindeer
Russian commuters have had to think of some clever ways to get through the snow. One way to get around is by using reindeer! The animal transportation can run long distances, are easy to maintain, and can easily navigate challenging terrains. No dense forest or frozen lake will deter these creatures. It's common for Sámi people to be pulled around the Artic on a reindeer sled as well.
Plane and Simple
While a lot of the people on this list choose to travel to their destinations by water, some brave souls opt for the air. In the Czech Republic, a pilot by the name of Frantisek Hadrava will travel 9.3 miles to work by plane. His driving commute would only be 14 minutes, but he hated those minutes so much that he built a plane for himself. Now he gets to work in just 7 minutes!
Bangladesh Trains
If you thought your train ride into the city was bad, just wait until you see how the rush hour is done in Bangladesh. The train obviously fills up quickly, so many people decide to hang on the side or pile onto the rooftop of the moving vehicle. Nearly 2,000 men and women board the train that will reach speeds up to 27 miles per hour. It's meant to go faster, but the weight of the passengers holds it down.
Tokyo Trains
Tokyo is one of the biggest cities in the world, and with that, it is incredibly crowded. The trains get so packed with people that certain people are paid to push everyone together onto the train. These pushers try to fit everyone in the car before the doors close. They wear uniforms with their job description on the sleeve and white gloves for when they get up close and personal.
School Zip Line
The children of Los Pinos, Colombia have quite a decision to make when it comes to school commutes. They can either go for a walk that usually takes about an hour, or they can zip line right over a canyon and the Rio Negro. Reaching speeds up to 40 miles per hour, the zip line is clearly the faster choice. It's about 1,300 feet above the river, and it's a terrifying distance down.
Kayaking Through
Seems like everyone needs a way to cross the Hudson. For some New York City workers, kayaking is a great way to get some fresh air and a workout in while traveling to work. Zach Schwitzy is one of these kayakers and says that any difficulties he's had rowing have been better than being stuck in New York City traffic. Also, there's no carbon footprint with this travel.
Water Biking
For others who want a workout on the water, water bikes might be the perfect solution. Some in Oakland or San Francisco, California, instead of using the subway or ferry system, you can jump on a water bike to get to work or school. They can be powered by pedaling or by electric boost. It's going to be available more readily starting in 2020, so keep an eye out!
Narrowest Bridge
The children in Javo, Indonesia risk it all on their way to school. In order to save time crossing the Pepe River, they cross a narrow suspension bridge connecting the Suro village and the Plempungan village. The only problem with this is that the bridge isn't meant to be walked on, it's too narrow! It's actually an irrigation line, but kids use it to cut their travel time in half.
Waterfall Terrains
The Manang Road runs alongside the Annapurna mountains. The winding path is perilous and dangerous for drivers who need to cross through the waterfall path. The water often spills out into the street, making it flood and therefore very challenging for cars to pass through. What's more terrifying than hydroplaning the entire drive, even with four-wheel-drive?
Makeshift Trolley
Piling onto train cars is certainly not safe, but pushing trolleys full of passengers on the tracks can't be good either. For residents of Manila, Philippines, some commuters rely on trolley boys to help them along their route. These trolley boys push metal carts on Manila railways. The boys memorize the schedules to avoid the incoming trains, and they have to work fast.
Being In Beijing
Subway rides are almost guaranteed to be crowded and noisy, but the masses in Beijing are something else entirely. About 9.75 million people take the train in Beijing every day. The train system stretches for 327 miles and is larger and more expansive than New York or London. Even though it's much cheaper than any other commute method, a lot of people don't think it's worth it.
Bike Business
Bike traffic is a very real issue in Beijing. Whether your below or above ground, people are constantly stuck waiting for a less crowded area. Over 7 million people are registered as bicyclists in Beijing and 6.5 million in Shanghai. The healthy and carbon-friendly alternative is certainly cheap, but also frustrating. Biking might be better in the long run, but a traffic jam is still annoying.
Swimming to Work
Nothing like a morning swim to start the day. A German mad named Benjamin David packs his laptop, shoes, and suit into a waterproof bag every day. He then proceeds to jump into the Isar River in Munich and swim to work. He says the journey is more relaxing and stimulating than sitting in traffic. It might seem a little odd, but David says it's the best edit that he's ever made to his routine.
Kabul Jalalabad Highway
In Afghanistan, there is a highway that stretches alongside the Kabul River Gorge. The road is 89 miles long and is considered one of the most dangerous roads in the world. Commuters can get trapped in extreme jams for hours on end and it's commonly very snowy. Food vendors often drive on the road for some business during these long jams. Deadly disasters take place every day.
Flood Walks
In Guwahati, India, commuters don't let heavy rains stop them from getting to work or school. Trains will get canceled, so the affected residents are forced to walk to work through heavy rains. Some people trek through using rickshaws, bikes, or just go on foot. It's extremely dangerous though, as no one can be sure what's in the water under the surface, not to mention how easy it is to fall.
Boxing Bison
Yellowstone National Park is one of the most breathtaking places in America, but it's not all easy. Bison wander freely and aren't exactly easy to move out of the road. If a commuter gets caught in a bison box-in, they might not be able to come into work for another few hours. The 2,000-pound beasts won't move for you or for your 9 to 5, so get ready to wait them out.
Heavy Traffic
China's traffic is on another level. This highway has 50 lanes of traffic that once had a massive car pile up. Traffic was stopped for 3 hours on the G4 Beijing-Hong Kong-Macau expressway. It caused mayhem and the 2015 accident made local history. This was the only recorded report of such a massive gridlock though, so it must not happen very often, thankfully.
Guoliang Tunnel
In Henan, China, drivers might have to ride along the Guoliang Tunnel Road to get to their final location. Villagers in the surrounding areas use this road to pass from Huixian and Xinxiang to Henan province. This tunnel was hand-carved and has since become a popular tourist attraction. The road is only about a mile long, but that mile is very terrifying to drive!
Frozen River Trail
In the Himalayas, things are done a little differently. Since the winters can get so harsh, it's not uncommon for lakes and rivers to freeze over. Some roads close between the Zanskar district to Leh. During these closings, people have to find another way to travel, and usually, it's via the frozen rivers. The Chadar Trek is common for Indian students to walk over the frozen Zanskar River.
Boat Jams
If you're in Venice, Italy, you might find yourself caught in a boat jam. Since the city doesn't have roads, just waterways, it's not too out of the ordinary to get a ride to work via boat ride. This causes a lot of congestion in the canals, and you might get caught in a boat and gondola traffic jam. Large cruise ships were banned from the city in 2017 to protect infrastructure.
Paragliding
Years ago, Paul Cox made a vow to himself that he would never again be trapped in bumper to bumper traffic. Instead, he started using a paraglider powered by a motor that gets him the 10 miles to work with ease. The Welsh worker used to use a bike to get to work, but even that became too annoying. Now, he glides 7,500 feet in the air over Wales. Now that's a fun commute!
Lion Road
The Lions in Kruger National Park, South Africa have no problem making the road their own. Over 1,600 lions roam the land, so occasionally cars might get stuck behind these guys. Though thrilling, it can be incredibly scary as well. One traffic jam went viral after someone videotaped the lions walking alongside cars, causing a massive pile up. Who wants to be the car that crosses a lion?
Volcano Workers
In Indonesia, the Mount Ijen Volcano on Java Island houses mines where many of the locals work. They climb over 9,000 feet to the top and then descend 3,000 feet into the active volcano. The thick smoke and burning smell make their working conditions abysmal. The workers often suffer greatly for the work, enduring burning lungs and damaged skin for a lifetime.
City Skiing
Just because you're in the Big Apple, that doesn't mean getting around is much easier. For some, donning a pair of skis makes the ride through the avenues a little easier and a little more fun. It might not be as quick as the subway, but it can certainly help you make good time and get some fresh air. An added bonus? The city crowds are too cold to come outside!
Alaskan Dog Sled
Getting around the Alaskan wilderness is anything but easy, but at least it's also adorable. A group of dogs can pull people from remote villages to more popular locations. This practice has been in use in some form or another for thousands of years. It is believed to go back as far as the 10th century BCE. The dogs begin their sled training at only 6 months old.
Rowing It In
No one has quite the commute that Gabriel Horchler does. This Library of Congress employee rows five miles every morning to get to work. he goes over the Anacostia River, all the way from Maryland to Washington, DC. He's been doing this same commute for almost 17 years and has no plans to stop soon. It's a great workout, a great view, and a great way to beat traffic.
Chiatura Cars
In the country of Georgia, the tall hills and mountains can make travel difficult for commuters. To solve this, several people take cable cars that hover over the Chiatura residences. They're apparently very rickety and not easy to ride on if you're not a local. Nowadays, cable cars are just as much a tourist attraction as a way to get around quickly and easily.
Pakistan Cable Cars
Pakistan has it's own cable cars, though they look very different than the ones other cultures are used to. The cars are typically very open and act more like ziplined chairs than a slow-moving motor. This is common in some parts of Pakistan, but the country has created some new guidelines to combat the dangers. Nowadays, these cars are more covered and safe for riders.
Bolivian Cable Cars
In Bolivia, the cable car is a transportation staple. In fact, the country has the highest cable car system in the world! Every day, thousands of people ride 4,000 meters (which is about 13,000 feet) above the sea level. It's been called the "most spectacular public transport system on the planet" for its ease, structure, and affordability to locals. It goes an average of 11 miles per hour.
Brazilian Cable Cars
If you're ever visiting Brazil, you'll likely find yourself riding over the cities in cable cars. It's the way that many Brazilian employees get to and from work, and it provides easy access to the rest of the city. The cable car between Praia Vermelha and Sugarloaf Mountain goes right over Rio de Janeiro and is called the "Sugar Loaf Cable Car." It summits the 1,299-foot mountain.
Grand Central Station
New York City residents know the struggle of commuting through Grand Central Station. Every day, 75,000 commuters pass through this train station. The station covers 48 acres of land and is located at 42nd Street and Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. It offers services in trains, subways, taxi cars, buses, and airport transportation.
North Korean Bikes
Though North Korea is notoriously private, there are some photographs of people biking around the secretive country. Cycling was actually banned in North Korea until 1990. It was considered to be incompatible with the fluency of traffic laws, but the hobby has taken off in the years following the ban's lifting. Each North Korean family apparently owns at least 1 or 2 bikes!
Bangladesh Bikers
In Bangladesh, some people are paid to bike others around. In cities like Dhaka, the streets are pretty crowded with these kinds of travelers. The city has 18 million people in 350 square kilometers. You only really need the biker help if you're going a long distance outside of the city. It's best to get ahead of the rush and find a ride before 8 AM or get caught in the traffic.
Rickshaw Riders
If you're in New Dehli, India, you might have the best luck with traveling if you get a ride on a rickshaw. These man-powered bikes are great for large transports or deliveries. The rickshaw debuted in 1879, and since then, has been a staple of transportation in cultures across the globe. It typically has two or three passenger seats or is used as a delivery vehicle.
Horse Drawn Wagons
If you thought the horse and buggy were done for, you haven't been to Asuncion, Paraguay. Here, horse-drawn wagons are incredibly common for easy moving around. However, this commuter staple was banned in 2014 due to animal abuse. The city only allows certain companies with proper vetting to use horse carriages as a tourist attraction, not a travel alternative.
Haitian Motorcycles
In Haiti, a family might save on costs of commuting by piling on to a cheaper car alternative, a motorcycle. The motorbikes are common in the area for their speed and ease of use on the winding roads. Before the earthquake, they were even more common and used to transport everything from families to cargo to live animals. They even used it to tow construction tools.
Taiwan Motorcycles
For the riders in Taiwan, motorcycles are an everyday sight. There are over 15 million motorcycles in Taiwan alone, which is about 67.6 for every 100 people. The number continues to rise every year, as do the accidents. It also heavily contributes to pollution in the country. It's easier to maneuver in the streets than a car, as well as much more cost-conscious.
Cuban Trucks
Farming is a very common job for people in Cuban, especially tobacco farming. In order to get out to the fields, it's very typical for workers to pile into a cargo truck and stand in the back. Most tobacco is grown on small plots of land spanning about 10 acres. The plant is the largest source of income for the country, so it's no wonder so many people are in that truck.
North Korean Tram Car
North Korea might be beginning to use bikes more, but if that's not your style, they also offer tram cars countrywide. These and trolley cars allow residents to travel through city centers. Only Pyongyang and Chongjin are known to have tramways. These are popular forms of transport since citizens often don't have access to cars or fuel, due to the country's strict laws.
Turkey Trams
In Turkey, the tram cars travel down the center of the street, which allows passengers to exit or enter on either side. Though a majority have been modernized for efficiency, a few old-fashioned ones are still available and use for tourist destinations. They run like buses, coming to different stops every 10 to fifteen minutes from 6 in the morning to midnight.
Kabul Traffic
In Kabul, Afghanistan, traffic jams can make a hard commute even more difficult. Notice the lack of road lines, making the driving incredibly chaotic. This, and the growing noise and pollution, has made residents incredibly frustrated. The roads are always congested, no matter the time of day, and vehicle accidents are commonplace. Kabul traffic is not to be messed with!
Bangalore Rush Hour
Streets come to a standstill in Bangalore during the rush hour commute. The already crowded streets overflow with busy employees and students in cars and atop motorcycles. The commute has been described as a "horror" to those not accustomed to it. "Why would you call it rush hour when nothing moves?" said one tourist who visited the Indian city. Quite a shock to see!
Driving Alone
According to some recent studies, most commuters in the US drive to work alone. About 2/3 drivers go in solo, and while that seems like a lot, it's actually a decrease from previous years. About 20% take the train, 7% take the bus, 5% carpool, and 4% walk or bike. As the commuter becomes more eco-conscious, the number diminishes. The lowest used option was rideshare apps.
Timing Is Everything
It might not surprise you, but commuters satisfaction with their daily ride comes down to timing. People with a commute longer than 25 minutes reported being unsatisfied with their traveling. Those with a shorter commute tend to like the time traveling more. Only a quarter of those surveyed reported being happy with a commute over 45 minutes.
Happy to Bike Here
Those happiest with their commutes were bikers and walkers. About 92% said they liked their commute into work or school. Additionally, people who used public transit were happier than those who drove alone. Less than 50% of drivers enjoy their commute, only about 45% in 2019. Hey car drivers, maybe it's finally the right time to invest in a bike!
No Commute? No Problem.
About 35% of employees work from home once a week. "We’d like to see more private sector and local and state government employers step up and allow for more teleworking," said Nicholas Ramfos, who conducted the study. More and more people are asking to work from home in the modern age. After all, if you can work from your bed, why wouldn't you?
Rideshare The Love
Though not many people take rideshare for commuting, the number still affects the industry. Of the 1% who said they take rideshares every day, about 60% said that if it wasn't available, they would return to public transportation. Because of this, some cities have partnered with apps for affordable options and expansive ways to get around. We're adapting every day.
Why Leave Transit
There are many reasons why some people chose to stop using public transit. The cost, the time, and the unreliability were all pretty common answers, but the most popular reason was transit options. After a home or job change, their preferred method was no longer available, and so they resorted to another method. Guess they had to find another way to get around...
Distance Makes the Heart Grow Fonder
Those who use transit also name distance from home and work as a reason to not use it. If there isn't a train stop or bus stop nearby, people are less likely to walk and seek one out. If there was a station within a mile or less, people were much more likely to make the trek to transit instead of using apps or buying a car to get around town. Location really is everything...
Transit Accessibilty
Not everyone has the option to just buy a car or use rideshare apps. Workers who generate an income of less than $60,000 a year use the bus twice as often as other income groups. The study also found that African American commuters use the bus system twice as much as white commuters. By comparison, white people biked three times the rate of African Americans.
Young Vehicle Owners
Young people are more and more likely to buy their own vehicles. "Ten years ago we were told they weren’t going to buy cars," said Marty Nohe, chair of the Transporation Planning Board in Virginia "Now they have families and buy cars." The numbers have increased 8% over the last few years, and the projections are only going up in the years following the study...
Driverless Cars
Not everyone is sold on the future of driving. Six in ten people surveyed said they had heard of the concept of a driverless car, but didn't know much else. A third said they were very aware of the idea, but aired concerns about safety, accessibility, and privacy. Though the cars are said to be the way of the future, about half said they weren't interested at all.
Worst City Commutes
According to a survey conducted by U.S News, the top ten worst American cities to commute in are Los Angeles, Baltimore, Boston, San Juan (Puerto Rico), Atlanta, Stockton, San Francisco, Washington, D.C, and New York City. The average travel time for New York was 36 minutes, typically by subway. By comparison, Los Angeles was about 30 minutes.
Short Drive
The countries with the shortest commutes were Japan, Vietnam, China, Taiwan, Spain, and Italy. This short commute can have positive effects on mental and physical health. It can also lower the possibility of things like divorce, increase your productivity, and increase your time spent with loved ones. Turns out there's quite a lot of good that can come out of a quick ride...
Commuter Problems
Workers with a long commute are at a higher risk for increased stress, depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. They are also prone to weight gains, a noticeable decrease in energy, a higher blood pressure on a day to day basis, and a weakened immune system over time. However, there are ways to combat some of these effects while still on the road...
Productive Time
There are many ways to enjoy a long and boring commute as well as stimulate the mind. For example, you could listen to a podcast or audiobook, you could plan out work to do for the day, you can practice mindful meditation in the driver's seat, sit back and relax, and listen to music. If you're not behind the wheel, you could also read a book, take an online class, or take a nap.
Commuting Statistics
Stress affects everyone differently. A study done in 2009 found that women undergo four times the amount of psychological stress on their commute than men do. Another survey found that the commute is often the worst part of a person's day, which only changed if the commute included physical activity like walking, running or biking to their destination.