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There is an increased use of public transport among Generation Y compared with previous generations, but there is limited information on the specific factors related to this trend and whether demand is temporary, sustained, or growing.

A multi-method approach was undertaken to better understand travel demand for Generation Y with:

• an analysis of New Zealand datasets to examine historical travel behaviour trends
• in-depth qualitative focus groups to better understand some of the drivers, barriers, and key life stages where travel changes are likely to occur
• a national quantitative survey of 1,191 travellers to identify predicted future use of public transport and the prioritisation of targeted service improvements to better inform policy direction and investment strategies. 

Findings indicate there will be large, sustained growth in public (and active) transport use, particularly among Generation Y.

Key service priorities for Generation Y and older travellers are very consistent, indicating improvements in well-known convenience factors like frequency and coverage are critical. Once these basics are delivered more specific improvements desirable for Generation Y include smarter pricing mechanisms (such as free transfers) and improved real-time information.

Key life stage changes, such as moving home or starting a family, are opportunities for positive travel interventions.

Keywords: adolescent, attitudes, car, forecasts, future behaviour, Generation Y, millennial, mobility, mode, multimodal, New Zealand, patterns, predictions, projections, public transport, teenager, transport, travel, trends, vehicle, young adult, youth