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Ditching the Drive: A Fundamental Shift in How We Move

Nov 16, 2015
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America was built on automobiles. From TV shows about cars to Hollywood stars whose status would be defined by their ride, the automobile has always been an integral aspect in attaining the American Dream. But what happens when this dream changes?

 

A Fundamental Shift

In the past, mobility has meant car ownership. Getting your license was an exciting milestone that presented freedom and liberation from parental control. But times are changing, and the largest cohort size in history is leading this transformation.

"As of April 2013, the number of miles driven per person was nearly 9% below the peak and equal to where the country was in January 1995." (Source: New York Times) This decline can be attributed to many factors, all which are driven by the millennial cohort. More than 86 million strong, this generation is causing a fundamental shift in how we use personal vehicles. (Source: Trapeze Group) Only half of millennials bother to get their license by age 18 – an action that would have been almost unthinkable during the first century of vehicle travel – but why? (Source: Washington Post

Academics and economists alike have discussed plenty of reasons why this shift is occurring. Here are just a few. For a more in-depth analysis, check out our blog Want to Know Your Rides? Meet Millennials.   

  • Status: The world has undergone a major shift in attitude. Holding a license is no longer a representation of your status.
  • Novelty: Two decades ago, 87% of 19-year-olds held drivers licenses. This number has dropped almost 20% within the past two decades. Once a milestone, getting your license is not a priority anymore for some. In fact, most teens don’t get licensed within a year of becoming eligible. (Source: Washington Post
  • Environment: With the environment being such a hot topic, millions of people are looking for energy-efficient options that will reduce their carbon footprint. Choosing an alternative method of transit has obvious benefits for the planet.  
  • Cost: It’s no secret that owning a car will have an impact on your wallet. When you look at the lifetime investment of cars, ditching the drive becomes attractive. Many people are not in the position to make this large investment.
  • Migration: People are moving. As suburban life seems to have hit its peak for many, masses are migrating towards city cores. Downtown growth, somewhere that makes owning a car difficult and unattractive, is outpacing suburban residences where owning a car may be necessary. (Source: The Toronto StarThe Residences at the Royal Canadian Military Institute in downtown Toronto are prime examples of this car-less trend.

Whether it is the impact of one or a combination of these factors, one thing is for sure; people are falling out of love with cars… and fast.

 

New Ways to Move

People are changing the way they move. With 70% of adults under 35 using alternatives to driving at least a few times a week, the population is getting out of their vehicles and choosing modes that are better suited to their life. (Source: The Transit Wire) It’s important that transit agencies take a look at the alternatives that are being chosen to best offer attractive solutions that work for everyone.

 

Americans took 10.8 billion trips on public transportation in 2014. This is the highest annual public transit ridership number in 58 years, according to a report released  by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). Next to driving, this method is the most popular means of getting around.  Transit agencies are working around the clock to make their fleets more attractive by installing luxury items like Wi-Fi, apps, updated assets, electrical outlets, and automated stop announcements.

With an average annual savings of $9,225, this alternative becomes especially attractive to those interested in cutting costs. (Source: APTA) Alternative fuels that are starting to power these fleets, such as natural gas and electricity, are making public transit attractive to the environmentally concerned commuter. And finally, the surprising health benefits linked to public transit use are just the icing on the cake!

 

A new wave of transit is popping up across North America that aims to tackle some of the common complaints with public transit, such as crowdedness and aging assets. Although not quite as cost efficient as public transportation, these options are increasing in popularity. Providers such as Bridj or Leap, offer the rider a luxurious trip at a higher rate than a normal bus. Fleets will take you from point A to point B in style, donning luxuries like Wi-Fi, heated leather interior, smartphone ticketing, and on-board canteens. Private transportation companies are an attractive option for those who can afford it. 

 

Since 2000, record numbers of Americans have climbed on their bikes and taken to the streets. In 1995, total trips made by bike amounted to 3.14 billion, a number which has now increased by over 30%. Compared to driving, bikers will see a yearly average of $11,000 in savings and 220KG/mile in reduced greenhouse gas emissions. “If Americans made one 4-mile round-trip by bike instead of car each week, we’d burn nearly 2 billion fewer gallons of gas annually (roughly $6.6 billion in savings).” These numbers are staggering, and extremely attractive to those who have the option to pedal to work. (Source: Bicycling)

 

Next to working from home, walking is the most cost and energy efficient option. Recent studies have also shown that walking or biking to work can also contribute to your personal wellbeing! “In a study at McGill University of 3,377 students, staff, and faculty, researchers found that those who walked or biked (as well as those who took intercity rail) were most satisfied with their commute. Sometimes even if it made their commute take longer” (Source: Vox)

 

Car sharing can be a cheap and eco-friendly alternative to owning a car. Easily accessible companies, like ZipCar and AutoShare, make this an attractive option. “Say goodbye to all of the expenses that come with car ownership, like purchasing, insuring, maintenance, fuel, tolls, and parking — not to mention the unavoidable reality of depreciation.” (Source: David Suzuki Foundation) Benefits of these services include significant savings, reduced pollution, and no parking stress!

 

TNC’s, such as Uber and Lyft, have been making waves in headlines lately - and for good reason. Using an online-enabled platform to connect passengers with drivers, these services offer much lower rates than would be offered with, say, a Taxi service. Along with these cost savings, pick-up is convenient (ordered via smartphone application) and rewards such as free trips can be collected through the application.

 

Whatever way people are choosing to move, it is important that we understand both the benefits and the implications that each method entails. Once we have a grasp on how people are getting from point A to B, we can work together to create cities that are conducive to how we get around. Specifically designing systems with these factors in mind ensures cost savings, resource conservation, lower emissions and improved safety for all. Follow the trends, follow the people – and don’t get left in the dust... or maybe the car!


 
Paige O’Grady works as a Trapeze Group Intern and is currently completing her BBA at Wilfrid Laurier University. She has spent her time at Trapeze Group learning about the industry and closely following the ever-changing trends of transit. Paige brings a unique millennial perspective to the industry, and she is passionate about technology and the online world.
 
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