The NZ Transport Agency (the Transport Agency) has identified the travel patterns of younger New Zealanders (here named Generation Y) as highly important to their transport planning decisions. There is international evidence that the travel patterns of this cohort are substantially different from those of previous generations; however, there is limited New Zealand-specific literature on the topic, and the likely travel trends over time among this cohort are currently largely unknown. The Transport Agency has therefore commissioned the current work in an effort to fill this knowledge gap and inform key strategic priorities (such as the 2014 National Land Transport Fund Review). This evidence base is required to ensure transport infrastructure decisions in New Zealand are suitable for meeting travel demands in the future. The main objectives of this research fitted around two main themes: defining travel demand for Generation Y and priorities for the future. Specifically, the key research questions for the current study were: 1 What is the most appropriate definition of Generation Y in the New Zealand context? 2 What are Generation Y’s current travel patterns internationally and in New Zealand? How do these differ from those of previous generations? 3 What are the reasons for any differences in the travel patterns of this generation when compared with previous generations? Does this generation have different values leading to these changes? 4 What will Generation Y’s travel patterns be in the future in New Zealand? Is it likely that Generation Y’s current travel patterns will remain constant over time? Alternatively, is it likely that Generation Y’s travel patterns will change to match those of older generations over time? How will the transition through major life stages affect travel patterns for this cohort? 5 What are the public transport requirements in the future for this group given these projected travel trends? 6 What are the barriers to public transport use for Generation Y? What are the attractive features of public transport for Generation Y? Do these differ from traditional attractors and barriers which apply to the total population? 7 What do the observed and likely future travel trends of this generation mean for the wider transport sector? What are the appropriate interventions that can be introduced to maximise and encourage public transport use among Generation Y members, now and in the future? The project consisted of a literature review, three key studies, and a summary discussion, all aimed to answer the key research questions identified above. The project was sequential, with each part helping to inform the next: • Literature review. Undertake a detailed and critical literature review of the topic, including defining Generation Y for the project context and reviewing current evidence regarding the travel trends of this cohort, both observed and future projections, among other evidence regarding the key research questions. Where available, New Zealand evidence was also reviewed. • Study 1. Conduct an analysis of New Zealand key data sources (including New Zealand Household Travel Survey data and 2013 Census data) to explore local evidence currently available regarding Generation Y’s current travel trends, and where possible, projected future travel trends. • Study 2. Conduct focus groups to examine attitudes and exposure to different transport modes among this cohort and examine the applicability of the observed changes in travel in overseas literature to the New Zealand cohort, considering differences by location (eg provincial versus urban dwellers). • Study 3. Conduct online interactive survey (based on the findings of the previous stages of the project) to gain a better prediction of future Generation Y travel demand than is available with statistical predictions alone, with a particular emphasis on the likely impact of transitioning through major life stages. • Final reporting. A summary discussion with a particular emphasis on providing recommendations to the transport sector for future decision making regarding transport infrastructure and other related topics. Chapter 2: Literature review — existing international evidence behind the trends and factors influencing the use of public transport by Generation Y. Chapter 3: Study 1. An analysis of New Zealand data sets — examines existing trends in travel in New Zealand for Generation Y. Chapter 4: Study 2. Focus group findings — to investigate key motivators and barriers to different mode options in provincial and urban locations. Chapter 5: Study 3. Online survey findings — to estimate latent demand for public transport for Generation Y, and identification of priority public transport improvements. Chapter 6: Final conclusions and recommendations — to discuss key findings and identify a pathway for practical implementation where appropriate. (Author/publisher)
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