Gone are the days when American teens saw that plastic card from the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) as a rite of passage. Data shows that the proportion of 16-year-olds holding driver's licenses plummeted by 27% from 2000 to 2022.
Why are fewer teenagers behind the wheel? Driving anxiety. A recent survey reveals that 93% of Gen Z drivers find driving stressful, and many young people are less enthused by car culture. Noticeably, safety concerns — including reckless drivers, the possibility of car accidents, and the possibility of hurting someone else while driving — along with worries about congestion, top the list of stressors for Gen Z drivers.
Researchers attribute this shift to several factors. Beyond the high cost, climate-related concerns, and driving anxiety, Gen Zers are increasingly drawn to alternative transportation options, such as e-scooters, e-bikes, ride-hailing, and microtransit, which were not available to earlier generations. Our own data backs this up: in cities with limited or no fixed-route transit, like Arlington, Texas, microtransit is the primary way for young adults aged 24 and under to get around, making up as much as 40% of the total rider base.
As your city evolves, so should your transit. Now is the time to rethink how we unclog our streets and design public transportation that accommodates the growing needs of the new generation. In 2024 alone, Via has helped hundreds of cities and transit agencies advance this movement, powering 14 million flexible public transit rides worldwide.
Interested in building better transit in your city? Let’s talk! Trusted by 750+ communities, Via helps cities launch new transit services in just weeks — boosting local economies by connecting residents to jobs, education, and services while reducing car dependence. See how.
