Commuters Using Different Modes of Transports
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The graph presents percentages of commuters using different modes of transports in London in the years 1960, 1980, 2000 and 2010.
Write a report for a university lecturer describing the information shown in the diagram below.
Write at least 150 words.
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Sample Answer 1
The bar chart illustrates the proportion of commuters using different modes of transports in London over four distinct years: 1960, 1980, 2000, and 2010.
A general trend evident in the data is the rising popularity of private cars over the years, eventually becoming the most utilized mode of transport by 2010. In contrast, bus usage followed a declining trajectory, with its share shrinking dramatically by the end of the period. Train and tube usage fluctuated moderately, maintaining a significant presence throughout the years.
In 1960, buses were the most preferred mode of transport, accounting for about one-third of all commuter journeys, followed closely by the tube. At this time, trains were used by fewer commuters, while private car use remained minimal, with only a small fraction of commuters opting for this mode. By 1980, car usage surged notably, making it the second most common mode of transport, while the proportions of tube, bus, and train commuters aligned closely, each capturing nearly one-fourth of the total.
In the following decades, private cars gained even more popularity, making up a significant share of all commuter travel by 2000. This shift coincided with a steady decline in bus usage, which became one of the least favored transport modes. In 2010, almost half of the commuters relied on cars, while the tube and train usage slightly decreased but remained relevant. Buses, however, experienced a sharp decline, with only a small minority of commuters continuing to use them, reflecting the overall shift towards private vehicle use.
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Sample Answer 2
The bar graph illustrates the percentage of commuters using different modes of transport in London across four years: 1960, 1980, 2000, and 2010.
It is clear from the graph that the use of private cars increased substantially over the years, becoming the most preferred mode of transport by 2010. In contrast, the proportion of bus users dropped considerably, showing a steady decline throughout the observed period. Train and tube usage fluctuated but remained significant modes of transport for Londoners.
In 1960, the bus was the most widely used mode of transport, with approximately 35% of commuters relying on it, followed by the tube at 27%. Train usage stood at around 17%, while cars accounted for only 7% of commuters. By 1980, the proportion of car users surged to 20%, almost tripling its figure from 1960. Meanwhile, public transport modes showed a converging trend, with train, bus, and tube usage ranging closely between 23% and 26%.
By 2000, the upward trend for cars continued, reaching about 33%, making cars the second most common transport mode. The tube maintained steady usage with around 25%, while bus usage experienced a significant fall to 15%. The proportion of train commuters slightly decreased during this period, contributing to a gradual decline in public transport's popularity.
In 2010, nearly half of the commuters, around 45%, traveled by car, making it the dominant choice. Bus usage plummeted further to less than 10%, reflecting a sharp decline in preference. The tube and train witnessed slight drops in their usage, settling at about 20% and 22%, respectively. This shows the increasing shift towards private cars and a corresponding decline in reliance on public transport over the five-decade period.
Sample Answer 3
The bar graph illustrates the percentage distribution of commuters using different modes of transports in London during the years 1960, 1980, 2000, and 2010.
It is apparent that over the given period, private cars emerged as the dominant mode of transport, while the popularity of buses experienced a significant decline. Trains and the tube, although displaying some fluctuations, maintained a consistent level of usage among London’s commuters.
In 1960, buses accounted for the highest share of commuter journeys, followed closely by the tube. Train usage was relatively modest, with a notable proportion of the population still opting for this mode. Meanwhile, private car usage was considerably low, with only a minimal fraction of commuters using personal vehicles at that time. By 1980, car use had risen sharply, narrowing the gap with public transport modes, all of which reported fairly similar proportions during this year.
As the trend progressed, the share of commuters using cars continued to rise in 2000, making it the most popular mode, while bus usage decreased significantly. The tube maintained a steady share of users, whereas the proportion of those using trains declined slightly. Finally, by 2010, nearly half of all commuters relied on private cars, cementing their dominance. Conversely, bus usage plummeted to a minimal level, while both train and tube usage witnessed minor declines, though they remained important for Londoners’ daily travel.
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