Source: adapted from H. Carter (1995) Urban Geography, Fourth Edition, London: Arnold

Main Purposes of Urban Trips

The above graph represents major categories of urban travel by the purpose of the trip generated. Although different urban settings will have a different trip compositions, most of the trips undertaken in urban areas are home-based. For instance, home-based trips are the most important (about 50% of all trips) since most trips are ending at the home place (going back from work, school or shopping). Other important purposes are to go to work, to shop and to undertake social / recreational activities.

• Work. Commutes performed towards the workplace or from the workplace to a business destination. This motive represents approximately a quarter of daily commutes.
• Shopping. Commutes towards any store regardless of its size, merchandise, or whether or not any purchases are made. These commutes represent approximately 13% of all daily travel.
• Leisure. Commutes performed with the intention of recreation, to accomplish a social or cultural activity or to simply visit friends. Similarly to shopping, these represent approx. 13% of daily commutes.
• Studies. Commutes towards a learning establishment by those seeking any type of training, regardless of the level of learning. These commutes represent 3.5% of the daily travel total.
• Other. Included in this category are all commutes such as medical visits, church attendance and all others not fitting in any of the above categories of service.
• Home. The accumulated total of commutes which terminate at home. These commutes represent almost half of the daily trips because practically every commute involves a round trip back home. This is referred to as the symmetry assumption; any trip from home is usually accompanied by a corresponding return trip at the end of the day or given activity.