Method of travel to work (15 travel modes) (MTW15P)

Latest release
Census of Population and Housing: Census dictionary
Cite
Reference period
2026

Definition

This variable records how people travelled to work on Census day, 11 August 2026, using the 15 travel modes on the Census form. It is derived from the method of travel to work (MTWP) variable. 

See also method of travel to work (6 travel modes) (MTW06P).

Scope

Employed persons aged 15 years and over 

Categories

CodeCategory
01Train
02Bus
03Ferry
04Tram/light rail
05Taxi/ride-share service 
06Car, as driver
07Car, as passenger
08Truck
09Motorbike/scooter 
10Bicycle (including e-bike)
11Other Mode 
12Walked only
13Worked at home
14Did not go to work
15Not stated
@@Not applicable
VVOverseas visitor

Number of categories: 17 

Not applicable (@@) comprises: 

  • unemployed persons looking for either part-time or full-time work 
  • persons not in the labour force 
  • persons with labour force status (LFSP) not stated 
  • persons aged under 15 years 

See Understanding supplementary codes for more information. 

Question(s) from the Census form

How did the person get to work on Tuesday 11 August 2026?

How this variable is created

This variable is derived from the more detailed method of travel to work (MTWP) variable, which captures all reported combinations of travel modes (e.g. train and bus, or bus and ferry) as distinct categories. 

Each person is allocated to a single main mode of travel. Where multiple modes are reported for the journey from home to workplace, a predefined hierarchy, based on the order of response options on the Census form, is used to determine the main mode. 

For example, a person who reports travelling by both train and bus is classified to ‘Train’, even if bus made up most of the journey. 

History and changes

This variable was introduced in 2016. 

In 2026, updates were made to include ‘e-bike’ in the question response options. Updates were made to the variable categories to reflect this change.