Millennials Drive Less, Rely on Technology More, Want to be Green
A recent report from the DOT notes that while all Americans are driving fewer miles than they did a decade ago, younger adults are driving much less.
Consider the facts: In 2009, Americans between the ages of 18 and 34 drove 21 percent fewer miles than their counterparts a decade prior. Even more shocking, fewer young adults are getting their driver’s licenses.
Again, let’s turn to the DOT, which noted that “the total number of licensed drivers under the age of 34 actually declined between 2001 and 2012, despite an increasing population. Many are choosing to live in cities where they can bike, walk, and take public transit to work or school.”
In addition, Millennials now outnumber Baby Boomers 74 million to 68 million.
On a parallel track, today’s younger people are more apt to turn to Uber and Zipcar and drive on an as-needed-basis rather than own or lease a car.
Even more surprising when it comes to planning Green Transit initiatives, surveys of Millennials show that they are more likely to value access to their phone over access to a car and to shop or socialize online as an alternative to driving. That’s one of the reasons today’s leading car manufacturing are pushing the envelope in terms of smart, or customizable vehicles. The personal connection is key, as is overall, around-the-clock connectivity. If you have it in the vehicle, you are much less likely to feel “out of touch.”
But Millennials are not totally ignoring the adulthood of their parents. Research, again cite by the DOT, shows “that most still aspire to own a home, and a majority would prefer a single-family home with more space in the suburbs, rather than a smaller home closer to amenities in an urban environment.”
The bottom line is this: The next great generation of American drivers isn’t going to abandon the automobile. But, it is far more likely to look for green, portable, less-permanent and expensive options for hitting the road.
Category: Consumer
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