Recent studies of young adults (born between 1980 and 2000) show that they have different preferences in travel mode choice, car ownership and driving licensing compared to previous generations. Some young people in north European countries, the United States and Australia prefer to live close to city centres, delay obtaining a driver’s licence and use cars less. On the other hand, studies also show growth in driver’s licence numbers and car ownership in Canada, France, Iran and India, within the younger population in some particular densities and built environments. Therefore, the current research shows that there are no universal tendencies and that we need to study young adults’ preferences based on their culture. Around 60% of the young adults (i.e. millennials or Generation Y) in the world reside in Asia. They originate mainly from China and India. Similar to young adults in other countries, they are confident and adaptable. There is still limited knowledge of young adults’ preferences in Asia, despite their growing population and potential impact on the use of urban infrastructure. This thesis aimed to advance the understanding of Chinese young adults’ travel behaviour constructs in tier one and tier two cities. This research applied a life-oriented approach in enhancing the understanding of travel mode choice as it is closely related to the life course. An online questionnaire survey and in-depth interviews were conducted in Shanghai and Wuhan in 2019. Descriptive statistics and narrative inquiry were used to analyse the factors affecting travel behaviour constructs. Results show that household registration (i.e. hukou), monthly income, and marital status are more significant factors than other factors (such as age, gender, location, employment, household composition). The findings from the interviews suggest that participants in Shanghai and Wuhan are likely to own a car when they reach a stage when they would have a high income or get married. They consider car ownership an essential element for a family, but not a status symbol. These findings support the proposition that policymakers and urban planners could offer more alternative transport options to address diversified needs. This will lead to reduced car dependence and improved sustainability. The findings also suggest that more research is needed to enhance the understanding of Asian young adults’ travel preferences, both in urban and rural areas, as their choice will have significant implications for urban infrastructure planning and sustainability where rapid growth continues.
Understanding young adults’ travel mode choice in metropolitan China: a life-oriented approach
Han, W. (Author). 2023
Student thesis: Doctoral Thesis