Will the average time US workers spend commuting daily (one-way) fall below 25.0 minutes in any year (2027–2030)?

The Hybrid Work Dividend

The pre-pandemic US average one-way commute time stood at approximately 27.6 minutes (US Census Bureau, simulated late 2025 context). This metric dropped significantly during the pandemic but has partially rebounded with the shift to hybrid work. However, hybrid arrangements mean fewer commuters on the road on any given day, permanently reducing traffic congestion, and those who do commute often choose shorter routes. The 65% 'Yes' majority is based on the consensus that the large, permanent segment of the hybrid workforce (expected to stabilize around 25% of the total workforce) will be enough to create a structural reduction in congestion, resulting in the average one-way commute time falling below 25.0 minutes in at least one year before the end of 2030.