How should I get to work today? Photo credit: Jens Schott Knudsen via Flickr

It’s no surprise that most commuters in New York City get to work by public transit, with our famously extensive subway and bus system. When compared to the nation, the difference is striking: about 55 percent of commuters in the City use public transportation, compared to just 4.9 percent nationally. That's because across the United States, an overwhelming majority of commuters—about 86 percent—drive to work, whereas 28 percent of New Yorkers drive to work. Take a look at this chart for the breakdown of how New Yorkers commute.

NYC Commuting

 Source: 2006-2010 American Community Survey        

While the percentage distribution of modes of transportation varies by borough, they generally follow the same pattern. In the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens, the majority of commuters rely on public transportation. Staten Island is the only borough where cars, trucks, or vans are the predominant form of transportation.

NYC Commuting by Borough

Source: 2006-2010 American Community Survey        

How do you get to work? Tell us in the comments below.