Published on October 16, 2025 • Last updated 45 minutes ago • 1-minute read
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On Thursday, October 3, 2024, vehicle traffic flows east on Hwy. 401. Photo by Peter J. Thompson / Postmedia Network. A recent study commissioned by SiriusXM reveals that commuters are already feeling the pressure as return-to-office mandates increase.
According to the survey, 35% of Canadian commuters report that their commute has worsened over the past year, with 41% describing their travel as stressful. However, 56% of respondents indicate that they use their commute as a time to relax or unwind, at least occasionally.
The study also found that 85% of commuters enjoy audio content, such as music and podcasts, which enhances their travel experience, while 73% feel that audio makes their trips seem shorter. Gen Z commuters are particularly affected by lengthy commutes, with 59% intentionally using this time to relax.
Nearly nine out of ten commuters (85%) listen to some form of audio during their journeys, with about 74% typically choosing music. Among audio listeners, 84% prefer music while commuting. The survey revealed that 25% of commuters engage with podcasts, with 33% of listeners identifying them as a favorite, especially among those aged 18 to 34, where the figure rises to 43%. News remains significant as well, with 28% of commuters tuning in, increasing to 39% among those aged 55 and older.
These insights come from a survey conducted by SiriusXM from September 15 to 17, involving a representative sample of 1,504 online adult Canadians who are members of the Angus Reid Forum. For comparison, a probability sample of this size has a margin of error of +/-2.53 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
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