According to ICBC data, just over 55 per cent of 20- to 24-year-olds in Metro Vancouver have a driver’s licence.
It’s 2014 and the times have truly changed. Social media has become a factor of life, and driving at the age of 16 is no longer a rite of passage.
In response to the recent news headline in the media, we decided to investigate ourselves why Metro Vancouver’s younger generation is moving towards transit and shifting away from cars.
Allen Tung, our Communications co-op student, shared some insight during this candid interview.
Allen
How do you commute around town?
Transit is my primary and preferred mode transportation. I use transit every day to commute to and from Simon Fraser University—and now to and from work (TransLink). The only time I drive is when I go to my hockey games since it would be rather cumbersome to haul a 3½ foot long hockey bag and five foot long hockey stick on transit!
Why do you choose transit over driving?
Transit is convenient and worry-free. I don’t have to pay for gas or worry about finding and paying for parking at my destination.
We also have one of the top transit networks in North America where I am able to easily connect between cities by using the Expo, Millennium and Canada Lines. In particular, I live in a transit hub area where using transit is extremely easy with plenty of options. I feel lucky to live in a region where our transit system is efficient and reliable service.
Why do you think this trend is happening?
Definitely, the U-Pass. I think it forces us to give transit a try and once we try it, we realize how fast, easy and convenient it is.
Unlike driving, I can focus on other things when taking transit, like finishing my homework on my way to class.
What implication(s) does this have on your generation?
I think we are starting to break the dependency on cars. This new generation starting a new cycle where taking transit is not only practical, but it has also become socially acceptable. Taking transit is no longer a sign of status, rather it’s a sustainable movement – being green is “the thing” now.
Anything else you would like to add?
I encourage others, especially those older, to try and use transit – you might like it! I recommend starting small by making transit a part of your commute.
My parents are both ardent drivers, but they recently gave SkyTrain a try and they couldn’t believe how convenient and fast it was during rush hour. No more getting stuck in traffic!
We thank Allen for sharing his enthusiastic insight. We hope to see this trend continue and grow in the generations to come!
