Commuters are wasting more than five days a year due to commuting chaos, according to the CBI, which is leading the call for an improved transport infrastructure in the UK – including a more accountable rail system.

The CBI and KPMG UK say action is needed on the transport infrastructure, including the rail system

A survey of 2,000 UK employees carried out by Porter Novelli/Opinium for the CBI found that workers lose, on average, 2.7 hours a week due to travel disruption or delays. This equates to 125 hours, or more than five whole days, in the course of a working year.

Such delays could be reduced or eradicated, however, under an improved transport infrastructure that would provide greener, more affordable and more reliable commuting options, according to the CBI.

It’s teamed up with KPMG for a new 18-month campaign, dubbed ‘The Future of Commuting’, to highlight the business benefits of taking action on transport.

While KPMG says the election manifestos saw a broad consensus between the parties on the importance of transport infrastructure and investment, commuters want talk turned into action.

Ed Thomas, head of transport at KPMG UK, said: “Whether it be developing new models for funding and delivering transport infrastructure in the North and Midlands, simplifying our system of rail fares or determining how government and business can work together to meet the challenges posed by net-zero, transforming the experience of commuters is an area where the UK needs to build some real momentum.”

And with the date for the Budget having now been set, the CBI said commuters will be anxious to see what the new Government’s spending commitments will mean for them.

Matthew Fell, CBI chief UK policy director, commented: “Employees up and down the UK want a cheaper, greener and more reliable commute.

“This will only be achieved by business and the Government working together to invest and deliver the right infrastructure, and make better use of existing capacity on our networks – from a plan for a more accountable rail system to expanding smart ticketing and promoting flexible working.”