After two years of remote work, many workers reluctant to return to the office are compromising with less frequent, longer ‘super commutes.’
“Super-commuters aren’t a new phenomenon. In sprawling countries like the US, for example, some workers, mainly senior executives, have been commuting long distances for years.” Now, reports Bryan Lufkin, the phenomenon is becoming more common with all types of workers who moved away from their office locations during the pandemic.
“The group of super-commuters has expanded as companies have allowed middle-class knowledge workers to come into the office two days a week, or one week a month,” says Bill Fulton, director of the Kinder Institute for Urban Research at Rice University. Lufkin asks, “Could this new form of commuting be the future, as workers embrace hybrid, and build lives further away from urban hubs?”
The article describes several workers in the U.S. and England who are adjusting to their new super-commuting lives. While there are logistical challenges and some tension with employers who have a hard time letting go of constant supervision, most workers seem keen on continuing to work mostly remotely.
FULL STORY: The workers taking on new 'super commutes'
Forget the Bean Bag Chair: Workers Just Want Short Commutes
The office amenities of yore are out. Quick, painless commutes are in.
‘Super Commuting’ Hits Ten-Year Low
The number of Americans whose commutes take over three hours per day peaked in 2019, but dropped dramatically as remote work became more widespread.
Long Commutes in Seattle Fell Sharply During the Pandemic
The number of people commuting 20 minutes or more each way dropped by close to half a million, while short commutes rose slightly.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike
For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.
In More Metros Than You’d Think, Suburbs are Now More Expensive Than the City
If you're moving to the burbs to save on square footage, data shows you should think again.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)