In smaller settlements, approximately 25% of residents are employed within their local communities. This limited availability of local employment opportunities results in a substantial number of residents commuting to larger towns and cities for work. The phenomenon of daily commuting is particularly pronounced in urban agglomerations, such as those surrounding Budapest and London. The capital city exerts a strong pull on the workforce from nearby counties, facilitated by a relatively well-developed transportation infrastructure that supports the mobility of workers from these regions.
The primary motivation for commuting is the lack of suitable employment opportunities within one’s place of residence. A significant proportion of commuters—more than 25%—travel to other locations to secure positions that align with their professional qualifications and skills. Furthermore, approximately 10% of commuters report that they commute because they cannot find local employment that meets their financial expectations, reflecting a need for better compensation or job benefits not available in their immediate vicinity. Only a small fraction of commuters indicate that their decision to commute is driven by a personal preference for their current residence and a corresponding reluctance to relocate, highlighting that most commuting is necessity-driven rather than a lifestyle choice.
To capture these commuters’ daily realities and experiences, I conducted a year-long photographic study, documenting the lives and routines of individuals who regularly travel between their homes and places of employment. This visual ethnography aims to provide a deeper understanding of the social and economic dynamics underlying commuting patterns, illustrating both the challenges faced by commuters and the broader implications for regional development and urban planning.
