For most Hongkongers, an easy commute is a dream
Strolling down from Mid-Levels on the escalator in the morning hardly counts as commuting. But a large proportion of Hong Kong's workforce do commute and do not find it an altogether pleasant experience, a recent survey by Regus, a so-called workplace solutions provider, shows.
According to the survey, 84 per cent of commuters rated traffic congestion or crowded trains/buses as their greatest sources of annoyance, followed by: delays and service interruptions; pollution and overheating; loud mobile phone conversations; rude behaviour from other passengers; dangerous drivers; and bad smells from other commuters, that is, body odour, bad breath or smelly food.
The average commuting time for Hongkongers, according to the survey, is 29.2 minutes for one leg of the journey, which is just over the global average of 29 minutes.
However, only 13 per cent of Hong Kong commuters have to spend more than 45 minutes travelling to work, which is only exceeded by Canada and Spain with 11 per cent. Hans Leijten, Regus' regional vice-president for East Asia, comments: 'Travelling to a work location closer to home, especially outside peak hours, is often the best way to avoid sources of stress for a happier, calmer and ultimately more fruitful day's work.' Unfortunately, just a dream for most Hong Kong commuters.
Bridge over troubled waters
