One third of Reykjavík commuters willing to leave cars at home

About one third of people in Reykjavík would be willing to stop driving themselves to and from work and instead use public transport or another mode of travel, according to mbl.is. The finding comes from the Pilot Cities Project, recently presented to Reykjavík City Council’s Environment and Planning Council.

Private cars remain by far the most common mode of transport in the capital region. However, around one third of those who drive to work say they would like to switch to other options, particularly public transport, cycling or electric light vehicles.

Ninety eight per cent of respondents live close enough to their workplace to use active modes of transport. The main obstacles are cost, reliability and a lack of alternatives that can compete with private cars.

The research also found that waste sorting is an established habit. More than 90 per cent of respondents regularly sort paper, plastic and organic waste, while just over half also sort items such as medicines, furniture and construction waste separately.

Waste sorting habits are primarily shaped by access to infrastructure and services, rather than by age, gender or other demographic factors. Sorting everyday household waste has become routine for most people, but increasing the recycling of other waste categories requires better access, clearer information and more convenient options.

The Pilot Cities Project is supported by Climate Kic under the NetZeroCities programme. Reykjavík received funding because of its participation in a European partnership of 112 cities aiming to become climate neutral and smart by 2030 through the development of a climate city contract.