Family structure and travel demand

Abstract

Some of the increased travel observed over the past few decades is attributed family structure. These include decreasing household size due to more single-parent to changes in household families, children leaving home at a younger age, decline in multi- generational households, and increased life expectancy. Some of these trends may reverse: anecdotal evidence suggests that young adults are remaining home for longer periods due to high housing costs and limited job opportunities, and areas with high immigration rates are showing increases in household size. Other trends may intensify. For example, the aging ‘baby boomers’ will generate large numbers of widows living alone.