Demographics Matter

Abstract

The United States is in a significant period of change. The significant growth in travel that the US has experienced since the 1960's is a product of demographic and economic changes including increases in vehicle ownership, baby boomers and women entering the workforce, and dramatic growth in personal income. More recently however, data are painting a different picture. The economic slowdown, vehicle saturation, climate change, new immigrant population growth, and the aging population may be contributing to a slowing growth of travel demand in the US (3). Race and ethnicity do matter in terms of travel choices, needs, and options. Many factors contribute to the differences we see in patterns of travel within population segments. Using data from the US Census Bureau and the National Household Travel Survey Program, this paper examines the demographic characteristics of minority populations and the resulting differences in their travel behavior.