The VR Experience Of The World’s Greatest Commute

The recent release of Confused.com‘s VR, 360 Journey of the World’s Greatest Commute, proves to be a massive hit in the UK. Motorists are becoming increasingly envious of the Norwegian residents, who’ve shared their incredible commute with the world.

As the summer draws to an end, new research shows that 40% of the UK’s 22.5 million commuters would move jobs for a more scenic route. Not only would they move jobs, but research shows that 34% would move house for a better commute to work. 21% say better scenery would lead to an improved journey. In order to help these motorists escape the reality of the term-time rush, a  virtual journey of the world’s greatest commute has been released by Confused.com, the car savings site.

What This Experience Has To Offer

This experience is available on-screen in 360 view, or using VR headgear.  Motorists are taken on a virtual 5.2 mile commute along the Atlanterhavsvegen, or Atlantic Ocean Road, which winds through an archipelago of partially-inhabited islands peppering the Norwegian Sea. Drivers are immersed in an astonishing journey, with incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean and the breath taking serenity of the snow-peaked mountains.

What You Need To Know About The Atlantic Ocean Road/ Atlanterhavsvegen

Construction began in 1989, and despite being hit by 12 hurricanes, the road officially opened six years later in 1989. The road cost 122 million Norwegian Krone (nearly £12 million in todays money) to build and consists of eight bridges. Storseisundbrua is the roads longest bridge at a length of 850ft and is the roads most iconic symbol.

Why This Vr Experience Has Been Such A Big Hit

Over half of UK commuters, who want a better commute to work, say ‘The Road in the Ocean’4 is the stuff of dreams. In fact, two in five say they would go as far as changing their job for a better commute. A shocking one in 10 are willing to do so, even if they had to take on an entirely different role. Some say they would make the sacrifice of switching jobs for a better commute, even if it meant a lower salary.

Some UK commuters would do almost anything to change their monotonous daily routine and there are several reasons for this. According to 73% of motorists, the most aggravating factor is traffic. One in four commuters claim they find their daily journey boring. The 21% of commuters who believe a more scenic journey would improve their commute to work, are certain to find respite in this VR experience.

Fortunately for the motorists out there, the Atlanterhavsvegen ticks all the boxes commuters wish for in the perfect scenery for their commute to work. Over half of UK commuters say they would prefer a sea view while 35% dream of a mountain view.

Some Words From The Locals

Given that Norway has the reputation as being the happiest place to live1, it’s no surprise that it is home to the world’s greatest commute and the local residents certainly realise just how lucky they are.

Gunnhild Bae-Pettersen, a high-school teacher who uses the Atlantic Ocean Road to commute to work , says: “Of course every Norwegian knows about the road. But also a lot of people from abroad know about the road. It’s always nice to talk about it when people go, ‘Yes, I know that road – I’ve heard about it before. Oh, I really want to go there’.”

“And when you tell them that you live there, they are ecstatic and almost just can’t believe it – so that is cool. For me it is just a part of my life. I don’t think about it as a really amazing thing. But sometimes it just strikes me that – wow – it is.”

Some of the local residents have a history with the road, going back to before its formation in 1983. Halstein Stene, 72, is a retiree who chaired the building and administration of the road between 1982 and 2002. He says: “It’s very easy, very relaxed. Just to look out on the water and sit down, and have a smoke, and drive home again. And then I say, ‘I have washed my soul’.”

“Usually it’s blowing here and then it’s very special, very big waves. At certain parts the waves come over the road. On the 1st January 1992, it was a terrible gale. It still scares me. So when it’s blowing up today, I’m still actually anxious.”

Even though most UK drivers aren’t as lucky as those in Norway when it comes to their commuter experience, it seems the journey to work is a main factor when deciding crucial life choices. According to 71% of motorists, a better commute would be a contributing factor into their decision if they were moving jobs. 35% of these motorists say it would be an important or main factor. Almost two in three say it would be a deciding factor if they were in a position to move home, while one in four say it would be an important or the main factor.

Amanda Stretton, motoring editor at Confused.com, says: “A great commute is nothing but a distant dream for UK drivers returning to work after the summer break. But thanks to virtual reality and 360 film, we’ve brought it just a little bit closer.

“While most motorists are not fortunate enough to have a commute which drives them through the middle of the ocean, there are some beautiful drives across the UK. By getting up a little bit earlier to avoid the rush and making a short detour via your favourite local route could make your commute more bearable.”

So don’t worry too much, the UK is beautiful too!

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