policy brief

Older Adults are Driving Later in Life, but Getting Out Less

Publication Date

March 1, 2025

Author(s)

Phoebe Chiu, Yu Hong Hwang, Fariba Siddiq, Brian D. Taylor

Abstract

Like much of the developed world, the U.S. is aging. Between 1920 and 2020, the number of people 65 and older in the U.S. grew almost five times faster than the population as a whole. Between 2000 and 2010, the 65+ population grew from 15.1 percent of the U.S. population to 16.8 percent (to 55.8 million people) between 2010 and 2020 (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020). Given this substantial growth, the mobility patterns of older travelers are consequential but have only been lightly studied post-pandemic. To address this gap, this research study analyzed data from the National Household Travel Surveys (NHTS) for 2001, 2009, 2017, and 2022 on the travel behavior of older adults in their 60s, 70s, and up compared with middle-aged and younger travelers.

policy brief

Young Adults Aren’t Leaving Home, Socializing, or Traveling as Much Post-Pandemic

Publication Date

March 1, 2025

Author(s)

Andy Fung, Fariba Siddiq, Yu Hong Hwang, Brian D. Taylor

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, daily travel per person declined significantly in the U.S as activities that required leaving home were increasingly replaced by information and communication technologies (ICTs), such as smartphones, personal computers, streaming services, and social media. Trips for most purposes declined drastically in the spring of 2020 at the start of the pandemic, and public transit use in particular plummeted. With most of the disruptions of the pandemic over by early 2022, this research study investigated whether the travel effects of COVID-19 have persisted, especially among young adults (defined as those between the ages 15-29).

The research focused on youth, as any long-term shifts in their travel behavior might persist for decades. These younger travelers are transitioning to adulthood by obtaining drivers’ licenses, joining the workforce, living independently, and so on. Youth travel may be affected differently by the pandemic than older adults as they are more likely to substitute ICTs for travel, so the study examined how youth travel patterns and trends compare to those of middle-aged adults post-pandemic.

other

Changes in Metropolitan Transit Supply

research report

Assessing the Charging-as-a-Service (CaaS) Model for EV Charging Deployment in California

Abstract

Charging-as-a-Service (CaaS) is an innovative electric vehicle (EV) charging station model that allows customers access to EV chargers through a contract with a provider responsible for design, deployment, operations, and maintenance. Little is known about the motivations and experiences of stakeholders involved in CaaS operations, including providers, electric utilities, and customers. A grey literature review identified CaaS services, provider-described benefits, and utility-provided CaaS and charging services. Then, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 stakeholders to identify critical themes on interactions between stakeholders and the perceptions, challenges, and opportunities of the CaaS business model in addressing charging station needs in California. CaaS may have structural benefits to customer-owned chargers and could improve charger reliability, provide scalable solutions, and reduce customer fatigue with EV charging deployment. However, CaaS faces the same challenges present in the broader charging industry. The findings in this study can guide policymakers in supporting maintenance-related workforce development and streamlining and crafting EV charging infrastructure-informed subsidy programs. Additionally, stakeholders recommend municipal-led EV infrastructure planning and funding for chargers in disadvantaged communities. These interviews clarify the role of CaaS within the EV charging industry and confirm the need for engaged policymaker support to clear roadblocks, support investment, and educate customers about decision-making, which benefits all EV charging stakeholders.

policy brief

Americans are Spending More Time at Home and Traveling Less Post-Pandemic

Publication Date

March 1, 2025

Author(s)

Samuel Speroni, Brian D. Taylor

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated an ongoing trend of Americans spending more time at home and less time engaged in activities away from home. This shift in travel behavior has significant implications for cities, transportation systems, economics, and even mental health. To better understand this trend, this research project examined how people in the U.S. spend their time pre-pandemic, mid-pandemic, and post-pandemic using data from the American Time Use Survey, with a focus on work, leisure, and travel behavior.

research report

After the Crash: Post-Collision Travel Behavior and Safety Perceptions

Abstract

Post-collision travel behavior and effects on road safety perception are not well-understood. To quantify the ways that crash-related experiences shape the way individuals think about travel, we conducted four focus group discussions with people who had been involved in a crash or near miss or whose relatives or friends experienced one. Several themes emerged from the discussions. Participants changed their travel behavior after experiencing a collision by modifying their travel mode, travel frequency, trip purposes, or vehicle types. Participants developed an enhanced awareness about potentially unsafe behaviors of other road users and road environments and adopted more cautious attitudes toward their own travel. Many participants experienced long-term stress as a result of the incidents, including fear, behavior modification, or travel avoidance. Participants offered several recommendations, including the need for safer infrastructure, improved road user visibility, a shift in media narratives, educational programs, and policy changes focused on land use and transportation synergies.

policy brief

How Are Low-Income Older Adults Traveling, and What Barriers Do They Face? A Case Study from San Diego

Abstract

Sixteen percent of adults aged 62 and over in California live in poverty. Older adults also make up a large share of the state’s homeless population, primarily because low-income seniors on fixed incomes are being priced out of housing. These trends are especially concerning as California’s population continues to age. Understanding how housing affordability and access to transportation affect older adults is vital to supporting healthy aging.

The research team surveyed the transportation needs and behaviors of 89 senior affordable housing residents at six sites in San Diego County. These sites varied by county region, public transit proximity, and neighborhood density. Of these respondents, 54 had experienced homelessness and 16 managed chronic health conditions; nearly all were considered very or extremely low-income based on area median income. The research focused on travel for social events and errands since almost none of the respondents worked or attended school.

presentation

Equity in Transportation Resilience

op-ed

America is becoming a nation of homebodies

Publication Date

March 10, 2025

Author(s)

Brian D. Taylor, Samuel Speroni

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic did spur more Americans to stay home. But this trend didn’t start or end with the pandemic. Research found that Americans were already spending more and more time at home and less and less time engaged in activities away from home stretching all the way back to at least 2003.