Generational change and travel

Abstract

This chapter delves deeper into the implications of generational changes on sustainable transport (i.e. social, economic and environment) by examining three generation groups - Pre-war Generations, Baby Boomers and Generation X, and Millennials. Environmentally, the Millennials tend to have lower transport energy use as they are more adapted to public transport and green technologies. Conversely, the elderly or elderly-to-be of Generation X, who are healthy, long-living and socio-economically better-off when compared to their seniors, are more car-dependent and tend to make more leisure travel. In contrast, the Pre-war Generations are requiring more support in ensuring their well-being when they are no long fit to drive. Promoting walkability and accessibility to them is of high priority. Looking across the world, traffic congestion and long commutes, especially in cities, are likely to remain challenging. Policymakers consider the diverse lifestyles across generations so that a holistic package of effective sustainable mobility policies can be devised.