What’s shaping Canada’s transportation outlook

Light vehicles continue to dominate how Canadians get to work, with more than 80 per cent commuting by car in 2025.

It’s at a level rarely seen in other countries, according to DesRosiers Automotive Consultants. This reliance on personal vehicles provides a strong foundation for automotive demand, even as commuting habits shift post-pandemic.

The number of Canadians working primarily from home has fallen from pandemic highs, dropping from 22.4 per cent in 2022 to 17.4 per cent as of May 2025. At the same time, average commute times have crept upward, reaching 26.7 minutes this year compared to 26.3 minutes in 2016.

“The pandemic period caused shifts in commuting behaviour, both in terms of increased work-from-home arrangements and a pullback in transit use,” said Andrew King, managing partner at DesRosiers. “These shifts have seen notable corrections in recent years as the lingering changes brought about by the pandemic normalize.”

King added that the auto sector and public transit should not be viewed as adversaries, noting both are essential for an efficient economy. However, he criticized Canadian municipalities and provinces for poor urban planning and transportation strategies, saying this has led to daily gridlock, higher business costs and longer commute times.

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