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Study shows one-way work commutes in Chicago take longer than national average

Written by
Chris Bourg
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The Associated Press recently released a study that analyzed the one-way work commute times in several metropolitan areas across the U.S. and found that the average commute in the Chicago metropolitan area is slightly longer than the average national commute. 

Nationally, the average one-way work commute is 26 minutes, whereas in Chicago and the surrounding areas the average one-way commute is 31 minutes. In Chicago, commuters spend an average of 29 minutes driving to work solo, 31 minutes in a carpool and 49 minutes on public transportation.

The higher average commute time for Chicagoans and suburban residents comes not from the higher drive times, but rather the higher amount of commuters who use public transit. The number of public transit passengers in Chicago is nearly 7% higher than the national average, and the number of solo drivers and carpoolers are nearly 7% less than the national average.

The public transit figures seem a bit long, though. We all know that the CTA is notorious for its delays, but Metra has to take a big chunk of the blame here too.

If it's any consolation, the study shows that New York's commute times are worse than ours, and their public transportation is even less efficient. Add that to the list of reasons why we kick their ass.

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