Gen Z shaping the future of mobility across the globe

Youths stage anti-government protests along the streets of Nairobi CBD. [File, Standard] The revolutionary Gen Z is not only shaping digital trends and societal norms across the world but is also transforming the mobility landscape. During the push for rejection of the Finance Bill 2024 in June, a politician was quoted saying that Gen Z travels to the protests using digital cabs and thereafter retreat to global fast-food chains for a meal. While the remarks may have sparked a backlash, they pointed towards a generational shift in mobility among the youth. This means transport sector investors, especially digital cabs and public transport as well as road safety advocates, must understand the youth on mobility. This will help them make sustainable decisions in their investments, transport policies and road safety campaigns. Insights from a study on youth and mobility done by FIA and released in January 2024, shows an interesting trend. FIA is a governing body for world motor sport and the federation of the world's leading mobility organisations. The report summarised views about transport solutions and car ownership by 9,000 youth aged 16 to 25 across Kenya, US, Germany, China, India, Mexico, Argentina, Australia and Spain. The survey showed that majority of Gen Z are eager to contribute to development of transport solutions with 54 per cent of respondents saying they want to be involved in safe and sustainable mobility options. This a number road safety agencies cannot ignore. While most countries have set up transport and safety agencies, it is time to review their strategic plans and involve this generation in shaping future transport solutions. In most developing countries, Gen Zs use public transport to work, school or shopping but also seek flexibility in the mode of mobility. This came out strongly with 57 per cent saying public transport was extremely important in helping them move around locally. Shared transport also came out as an area of priority for the Gen Z where 48 per cent indicated they want better access to shared cars and bikes. Despite the choice of transport as indicated above, the youth placed safety and sustainability of local transport as their top priority. The use of public transport and shared vehicles however does not mean an entire shift from seeking to own vehicles. The survey revealed 51 per cent already had a driving licence and 33 per cent who didn't have indicated they will acquire one in five years. The survey interestingly revealed that 18 percent of the youth have licences for motorcycles, which are relatively cheaper to purchase. To Gen Z, owning a car is still important, with about 54 percent seeing it as a kind of "bubble or extension of their home," and 56 per cent indicating it is important to own one. The future of mobility will depend on how effectively transport investors and players in road safety advocacy embrace the values of Gen Z, and align their strategies to the priorities of the young people. Rethinking mobility for Gen Z is not just a choice but a necessity for a more inclusive and sustainable transport.

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