Census figures from Statistics New Zealand show a 2% increase in commuters using cars over the 10 years to 2006.
Dunedin has 49,700 workers (Christchurch 166,100, Auckland 479,000) and the main commuting destinations are Stuart St-Frederick St, the University of Otago and High St-Stuart St which, combined, accounted for 39% of inbound workers in both 1996 and 2006.
In the 10-year period, the percentage of commuters who cycled to work dropped from 3% in 2006 to 1% in 1996.
The number using buses dropped - from 4% in 1996 to 3% in 2006.
Walkers and joggers stayed the same (9%), but car use went up.
In 1996, 59% of commuters drove a car to work. In 2006, 61% took their car.
Nationally, car commuters rose from 59% in 1996 to 62% in 2006. Bicycle use dropped from 3% to 2%, bus or train use stayed the same at 4% and walking or jogging remained at 6%.
The department did not have a breakdown of Dunedin motorcyclists, car passengers, those who did not go to work or worked from home.
Otago Regional Council policy and resource planning committee chairman Michael Deaker said yesterday the statistics did not reflect recent changes in bus use.
Mr Deaker said in 2006-07 the council and the Dunedin City Council began developing new strategies for bus services. They were "rolled out" in 2008.
"Since then, our passenger numbers have shown a steady increase."
He expected to have up-to-date figures within the next two weeks.
The Statistics NZ figures also show Dunedin commuters are travelling further.
In 1996, 25% travelled more than 6.6km. In 2006, 25% travelled more than 7.5km.
The median commute is 3.6km (3.4km in 1996).
Statistics NZ included only Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch in its detailed study of commuter habits released last week but provided some Dunedin statistics this week at the request of the Otago Daily Times.
If the results for other centres hold true for Dunedin, then women are more likely than men to take a bus and men are more likely to cycle.
Professionals or clerks are the highest users of public transport and more than half those who use public transport are aged under 35.
