This article examines the travel behavior of immigrants in California. Drawing on data from the 1980, 1990, and 2000 Public Use Microdata Sample of the U.S. Census, we describe immigrants travel patterns in California, focusing on commute mode. We find that immigrants rely more extensively on alternative commute modes (carpooling and transit) than native-born commuters. But with time in the U.S., immigrants quickly assimilate away from these alternative modes and increasingly rely on solo driving. We then explore the effects of this transportation assimilation process for immigrant families and on public transit usage. Cars may provide immigrants with increased access to employment and, consequently, contribute to their economic assimilation. However, declining transit use among recent immigrants and slowing immigration suggest that, unless transit planners intervene, transit ridership in California will decline. We conclude by discussing the implications of these findings for transportation policy.
Samenvatting