Dojížďka do zaměstnání v ČR

Abstract

Commuting to work represents one of the key factors of employment as the willingness to commute influences the geographical size of each individual’s labour market. Thus, it increases the likelihood of finding a suitable job. By commuting, individuals are also more likely to get a higher wage. In 2011, 24,01% of all employees in the Czech Republic commuted to work outside of their municipality of residence. Apart from potentially higher wage, commuting also represents costs. Commuting can be done by car or by public transport. We wanted to find out which mode is more cost-effective, therefore, we approximated costs for both of these modes of commuting. Our main priority, however, was to ascertain whether commuting to work actually pays off. Using results of a 2011 survey among Czech employees, we quantified wage returns to commuting and compared them with costs of commuting both by car and by public transport. We found out that even though commuting actually brings wage returns, costs of commuting by car are higher no matter the commuting distance. We also examined characteristics of commuters. Amongst our findings in this area was for example the fact that men commute more often than women.