Millennials on the Move Attracting Young Workers Through Better Transportation

Millennials on the Move: Attracting Young Workers through Better Transportation

2015

BYJonathan Harris, M.I.D.

Johnson & Wales University

2015REGIONAL COMPETITIVENESS

INFRASTRUCTURE

WILL EXPANDING MEDICAID HELP THE ECONOMY?

50 Park Row West, Suite 100

Providence, RI 02903

www.collaborativeri.org

Amber Caulkins

Program Director

[email protected]

401.588.1792

Jonathan Harris, M.I.D., LEED-APreceived his B.A. from the Univer-sity of WisconsinMadison in 1992. In 2000, Mr. Harris graduated from Rhode Island School of Design with a Masters of Industrial Design. Mr. Harris graduate work examined transportation and its relationship to identity and the civic experience. The results of his research rede-fined the bus stop, integrating tran-sit and neighborhood identity. Mr. Harris has continued to apply his research in communities through-out New England.

Mr. Harris designs, constructs, and installs unique Urban Amenities that create neighborhood identity providing for pedestrians and bi-cycles. He also consults on transit design and planning.

Mr. Harris is an Assistant Profes-sor at Johnson & Wales University, where he teaches three-dimension-al design and professional prac-tices in the School of Engineering and Design.

The College & University Research Collaborative (The Collaborative) is a statewide public/private partnership of Rhode Islands 11 colleges and universities that connects public policy and academic research. The Collaboratives mission is to increase the use of non-partisan academic research in policy development and to provide an evidence-based foundation for government decision-making. The Collaborative turns research into action by sharing research with policymakers, community leaders, partner organizations, and the citizens of Rhode Island.

CURRENT RESEARCH PROJECTS

WORKFORCE

The Economic Benefits of a Flexible Workplaceby Barbara Silver, Ph.D., University of Rhode Island

The Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed for Large and Growing Occupations in Rhode Islandby Matthew M. Bodah, Ph.D., University of Rhode Island, University of Rhode Island Student Researchers: Alyssa Bazinet, Oscar Soons, Ethan Zawatsky

Preparing Rhode Islands Workforce for the Jobs of the Futureby Elzotbek Rustambekov, Ph.D., Bryant University

Rhode Island Unemployment: Is There Labor Market Mismatch?by Neil Mehrotra, Ph.D., Brown University

INFRASTRUCTURE

Improving Infrastructure through Public Private Partnershipsby Amine Ghanem, Ph.D., Roger Williams University

Millennials on the Move: Attracting Young Workers through Better Transportationby Jonathan Harris, M.I.D., Johnson & Wales University

The Road to Better Bridges: Strategies for Maintaining Infrastructureby Nicole Martino, Ph.D., Roger Williams University

REGIONAL COMPETITIVENESS

Choosing a Health Exchange for Rhode Islandby Jessica Mulligan, Ph.D., Providence College

The Economic Impact of Expanding Medicaidby Liam C. Malloy, Ph.D., University of Rhode Island; Shanna Pearson-Merkowitz, Ph.D., University of Rhode Island

Ensuring Paid Family Leave Pays Offby Shanna Pearson-Merkowitz, Ph.D., University of Rhode IslandRachel-Lyn Longo, Student Researcher, University of Rhode Island

Strategies for a Competitive Rhode Islandby Suchandra Basu, Ph.D., Rhode Island College; Ramesh Mohan, Ph.D., Bryant University; Joseph W. Roberts, Ph.D., Roger Williams University

MANUFACTURING

Rhode Islands Maker-Related Assets by Dawn Edmondson, MFA, New England Institute of Technology; Susan Gorelick, Ph.D., New England Institute of Technology; Beth Mosher, MFA, Rhode Island School of Design

As I head downstairs for breakfast, I hear a chime from my phone. The next bus will be arriving in 10 min-utes, hardly time to make coffee. I check the weather forecast, and its sunny outside, so I decide to ride my bike to work. If Im too tired to bike home at the end of the day or if the weather goes south, I can throw my bike on the bus and be on my way.

The greatest generation, the baby boomers, and

generation X have been joined by a new American

generation: the millennials. This group of 75 million

people born in the 1980s and 1990s1 thrives on flexibility,

is comfortable with the latest technology, and gravitates

toward an urban lifestyle.(a) More than a quarter of

Rhode Islands population is comprised of millennials

ages 15 to 34, including many of its 88,000 college

students.2 Almost 40% of residents living in the state

capitol, Providence, belong to this generation.2

The Collaborative | April 2015 2


Millennials on the Move: Attracting Young Workers through Better Transportation

FIG. 2 POPULATION BY GENERATION (IN MILLIONS), 2015

Source: Pew Research Center1

(a) While it is difficult to make generalizations about the character of an entire generation, millennials tend to be technologically savvy and more politically inclusive and tolerant than older generations.3 They were hit hard by the 2008 recession and do not trust that they can enjoy job security in traditional fields, driving many to pursue entrepreneurial endeavors and value flexibility in the workplace..4 Many millennials are attracted to an urban lifestyle5 and have followed broader societal trends by moving into cities, particularly mid-size cities.6

FIG 1.A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A MILLENNIAL

MillennialsBorn 1981-97

Gen-XBorn 1965-80

BoomersBorn 1946-64

SilentBorn 1928-45

75 7566

29

JONATHAN HARRIS, M.I.D., JOHNSON & WALES UNIVERSITY

MILLENNIALS ON THE MOVE: ATTRACTING YOUNG WORKERS THROUGH BETTER TRANSPORTATION

3 The Collaborative | April 2015

Given the important role millennials will play in Rhode Islands economic

future, what can the state do to become a more attractive place for them

to live and work? One promising approach is to develop a transportation

infrastructure that suits the millennial lifestyle, providing flexibility and

supporting the active, urban way of life these young people value.

FIG. 4 WHERE URBAN MILLENNIALS LIVE

(b) About 14% of Rhode Islands population is over age 65, making it the 11th oldest state in the nation. It also has the largest share of people 85 and older in the country.

In a small state with an aging population, mil-lennials are an important group to attract and retain as residents.(b) Businesses are looking for tech-savvy workers with scientific and techni-cal skills who can stay up-to-speed in a rapidly changing world. Millennials also have the educa-tional background many employers are seeking, as they are more likely to have an undergraduate or postsecondary degree than adults from earlier generations.6

Transportation factors heavily into where mil-lennials choose to live: According to a study by the Transportation Research Board, urban young adults without children make these deci-sions primarily based on whether a city is easy to get around, with plenty of public transit op-tions available.7 Nearly two-thirds of millennials report a preference for mixed-use communities with a variety of businesses and entertainment options clustered together.5

FIG.3 EDUCATION LEVELS OF TWENTY-FIVE TO THIRTY-TWO YEAR OLDS ACROSS GENERATIONS

Source: Pew Research Center17

Source: Transportation Research Board7*

50%

Silent(1965)

43 39 High School Degree Only

Bachelors Degreeor More

33

26

13

24 25

34

Early Boomers(1979)

Gen Xers(1995)

Millennials(2013)

0

Data was extrapolated from a survey of 1,000 people age 22 to 34 living in Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, Portland, and Washington D.C.

Outside the city, but close enough for semi-regular trips into the main part of the city

Just outside the city, but close enough for regular trips into the main part of the city

Within the city limits, but not downtown

Near downtown

Right downtown

11.0%

33.2%

22.0%19.8%

14.0%



Though millennials are a diverse generation, some general trends have emerged regarding their transportation preferences. They are walk-ing, biking, and taking public transportation significantly more than people their age did a decade ago.(c) Today, 20% of millennials use pub-lic transit at least once a week, compared to 7% of Generation Xers and 10% of baby boomers.8 They are also driving less and are less likely to own cars or have drivers licenses.(d) On average, 77% of millennials drive to work, compared to 92% of Generation Xers and 90% of baby boom-ers.7

For millennials in large cities, walking is the most commonly used form of transportation, with 79% getting around on foot a few times a week or more. Driving is the second most popu-lar mode of travel for urban millennials with 63% using a car for transportation multiple times a week followed by bus (45%) and subway or light rail (43%).7

Though environmental concerns and lifestyle preferences certainly play a role, a major factor behind this shift in transportation habits is eco-

nomic. Urban millennials report that they make transportation choices based primarily on cost and convenience.7 High levels of unemployment since the recession and the financial strain of pay-ing off college loans have held some millennials back from buying cars, as has their tendency to delay marriage, childbirth, and home ownership.8

Technology is also playing a role in millenni-als transportation habits. Their generation was the first to come of age immersed in the digital world, and they tend to be tech-savvy and de-vice-saturated as a result.3 Millennials may prefer to use public transit because it allows them to work or connect online during their commute, a service some transportation authorities are be-ginning to provide.(e)

Smart phones and a plethora of apps also support flexible and varied transportation choices.8 Mil-lennials can access public transit locations and schedules or look up the most efficient biking or walking routes on their phones. When they do need a car, they can locate a shared vehicle through Zipcar, find a rideshare on social net-working sites, or hail a car via Uber.

How well does Rhode Islands transportation system meet the needs of

millennials? What can the state do to make its system more millennial-friendly?

(c) In 2009, people age 16 to 34 took 16% more walking trips, 27% more biking trips, and 4% more public transit trips per person than the same age group did in 2001.8

(d) In the past decade, the average number of miles driven by people age 16 to 34 has decreased 23%. In the years after the recession, the number of cars purchased by 18 to 34 year olds fell by 30%. In addition, an increasing number of high school seniors are forgoing drivers licenses. The licensing rate in 1996 was 85% but by 2010 it had dropped to 73%, and it appears this trend will continue.8

(e) When asked what they want from transportation in the future, over half of urban millennials said they would like access to Wi-Fi, 3G, or 4G networks during all trips.7

Source: U.S. PIRG

Education Fund8

FIG. 5 CHANGE IN YOUNG ADULTS TRAVEL PATTERNS BETWEEN 2001 & 2009

THE TRANSPORTATION HABITS OF MILLENNIALS

Bicycle Walking

27%MORE

23%LESS

Transit

4%MORE

16%MORE

Driving



A NEW VISION FOR TRANSPORTATION

PLANNING

How can Rhode Island adapt its transportation infrastructure to address the millennial-led shift away from cars and toward walking, public tran-sit, and biking? As it stands now, the vast majority (77%) of Rhode Islands transportation funding is allocated to highway construction and mainte-nance. Infrastructure projects that support an ac-tive millennial lifestyle are granted smaller sums: 4% for bicycle and pedestrian paths, 5% for rail transport, and 14% for bus services.9

At the national level, policy makers and trans-portation experts are adopting a more holistic approach to evaluating transportation system performance and identifying funding priorities.10 The Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, and other divisions with-in the U.S. Department of Transportation have shifted from prioritizing throughput the num-ber of people or vehicles that can be transported by a system to valuing other factors related to quality of life, system efficiency and accountabil-ity, and environmental and economic impacts.11

This system performance approach expands the nature of transportation planning. Agencies make decisions about highway funding based on not only the number of cars that can drive on a road, but also strategies for reducing congestion, pro-moting safety, and decreasing carbon emissions.11 A public transit project to increase local bus ca-pacity might also focus on issues such as what routes buses take, whether they reliably arrive at scheduled stops on time, what energy sources the buses run on, and whether they are accessible to all riders.

The shift to a more holistic, performance-based approach to transportation planning and funding

aligns with the interests of millennials moving away from driving and toward more accessible, affordable, and varied transportation options. Rhode Island is beginning to echo this change in mindset, and, in fact, is required to move in this direction in order to continue receiving fed-eral funding.(f) As the state gears up to review its transportation projects for the next four years, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) has recognized that the old system of defining and rating projects is inadequate and is transitioning to a system-performance view aligned with the new federal requirements.(g) As part of this effort, they have outlined system-level goals and created new offices to track perfor-mance and support planning.12

MILLENNIAL-FRIENDLY

TRANSPORTATION INITIATIVES

Although the great majority of Rhode Islands transportation funding still goes to roadways and bridges, the state has implemented some projects that align more closely with millennials needs. Construction is nearly complete on the Wash-ington Bridge Bikeway and Linear Park, a pedes-trian and bicycle path along the 195 Washington Bridge. This project will provide easy access to the East Bay Bike Path from downtown Providence

(f) The federal government provides around 80% of the funding for Rhode Island transportation infrastructure.9

(g) Rhode Islands future transportation priorities are outlined in the states four-year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).9 Inclusion of a project in the plan does not guarantee

Highway - 77%

Bike/Pedestrian - 4%

Bus - 14%

Rail - 5%

FIG. 6 ALLOCATION OF RI TRANSPORTATION FUNDING, 2013-2016

Source: RI Division of Planning9



Blackstone River Bikeway Connector

Pawtucket and Central Falls Commuter Rail Stop

Washington Bridge Bikeway and Linear Pedestrian Park

Providence River Pedestrian Bridge

FIG.7 UPCOMING & PROPOSED MILLENNIAL-FRIENDLY TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS IN RI



and India Point Park, itself a much-beloved loca-tion where millennials are drawn to exercise, relax, and socialize. A pedestrian bridge is also in the works to connect the eastern and western banks of downtown Providence. The bridge will offer a Providence River crossing for walkers and bikers between the South Water and Point Street Bridg-es, while also carving out attractive park space on either shore.

The state also recently channeled additional fund-ing toward the RIPTA bus system, although some see this as more of a stopgap measure than a long-term solution.(h) In 2014, the General Assembly created the Highway Maintenance Account to fund roads and bridges with revenue from higher gas taxes and vehicle inspection fees, new traf-fic violation fees, rental car surcharges, and other sources. Importantly, the legislature allocated 5% of the accounts funds to RIPTA.13

While these policies and projects are a start, there is much more that can be done to adapt Rhode Islands transportation infrastructure to attract millennials. Most importantly, less money could be earmarked specifically for roads and funding could instead support a broader range of types of transportation. In addition to appealing to mil-lennials, a strong push toward integrated public transportation systems and away from personal vehicles would also reduce wear and tear on roads and bridges and improve the economy and the en-vironment. While realigning funding priorities in this way is a long-term project, there are simple solutions that can be implemented more quickly

to start shifting the focus of the transportation system. For example, creating bike and bus lanes is an inexpensive option that can be done within the existing infrastructure system.14

As Rhode Island moves to strengthen transpor-tation options other than driving, connectivity is also a key concern. Initiatives that boost intra-city connectivity would appeal to young people living in Providence and other urban cores. Price-tiered bus fares, for example, make short trips more af-fordable and thus make public transit more attrac-tive to cost-conscious millennials. Improving con-nectivity between cities is also critical. A proposed commuter rail stop in Pawtucket and Central Falls would link that area to Providence and Boston, providing a car alternative that would strengthen Pawtuckets attractiveness to young artists and other millennials. Connecting remaining breaks in the 12-mile Blackstone River Bikeway and the missing mile in the 19-mile Washington Second-ary Rail-Trail would safeguard bikers from hectic traffic stops during their commute, while also pro-viding recreational access to the new Blackstone River Valley National Park(i) and through the cit-ies of Cranston, Warwick, West Warwick, & Cov-entry respectively. 24

Another type of connectivity to consider is Inter-net and cell phone access. Making 3G, 4G, and wireless technology available on public transit and providing apps that allow users to easily ac-cess transportation schedules and routes will make public transit more appealing and accessible to tech-savvy millennials.

These types of projects would help make Rhode Island a more connected,

accessible place to live, with a robust transportation infrastructure attractive

to young professionals.

funding, but it does begin the process of prioritizing the project and potentially obtaining federal funding for it.

(h) Long-term financial solvency for RIPTA continues to be a concern. Since its funding still relies heavily on gas taxes, as demand for public transit grows and private vehicle use declines, revenues will decline as well.

(i) Though much of the Blackstone River Bikeway is already in place, there are several key connections missing. In these spots, bikers are forced into



The tail end of the millennial generation is coming into adulthood and entering

the workforce in droves. In order to bring their creative and economic energy

to the state, Rhode Island should have a well-connected, technologically-

enhanced transportation infrastructure that supports millennials urban,

active, flexible lifestyle. The state can attract millennials by continuing its

recent move toward a performance-based approach to transportation planning

and allocating more funding to mass transit, pedestrian, biking, and car- and

bike-sharing projects. The more choices there are for millennials to get to

where they are going, the more likely they are to stay.

MOVING RHODE ISLAND FORWARD

While many cities saw an influx of young college graduates over the past decade, with increases of up to 50%, Providence grew its population of col-lege-educated millennials just 6% from 2000 to 2012. Kansas City, Missouri, is one city that has succeeded in attracting the educated millennial

workforce, despite having no particular advantage over other cities when it comes to job prospects. Housing and office construction are booming as millennials move to the city for new cultural opportunities, mixed-use development, and a planned streetcar line. With the right transporta-tion infrastructure, Providence might be able to draw in more millennials as well.

Bike paths, pedestrian bridges, and other transportation alternatives do

more than contribute to Rhode Islands charm they offer commuting and

recreational opportunities that can attract a millennial workforce and bolster

the states economy. A guiding principle for developing millennial-friendly

transportation should be to connect neighborhoods and cities to each other

and make them accessible in as many ways possible: on foot, by bike, via

public transit, and by car, whether public, private, or shared.


1. Richard Fry (2015) This year, will overtake Baby Boomers, Fact Tank: News in the Numbers, Washington, D.C.: Pew Research Center.

2. G. Wayne Miller (2014) Providence Millennials veer from their parents path, at work and at home, Providence Journal, November 15.

3. Pew Research Center (2014) Millennials in Adulthood: Detached from Institutions, Networked with Friends, Washington, D.C.

4. Sally Seppanen and Wendy Gualtieri (2012) The Millennial Generation: Research Review, Washington, D.C.: National Chamber Foundation, U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

5. Nielsen (2014) Millennials Prefer Cities to Suburbs, Subways to Driveways, New York.

6. Council of Economic Advisers (2014) 15 Economic Facts About Millennials, Washington, D.C.: The White House.

7. Neela Sakaria and Natalie Stehfest (2013) Millennials & Mobility: Understanding the Millennial Mindset and New Opportunities for Transit Providers, Washington, D.C.: Transportation Research Board, National Academies.

8. Tony Dutzik, Jeff Inglis, and Phineas Baxandall (2014) Millennials in Motion: Changing Travel Habits of Young Americans and the Implications for Public Policy, Boston: U.S. PIRG Education Fund.

9. Rhode Island Division of Planning (2012) Transportation Improvement Program: FY 20132016, Providence, RI.

10. Michael Grant, Janet DIgnazio, Alexander Bond, and Alanna McKeeman (2013) Performance Based Planning and Programming Guidebook, FHWA-HEP-13-041, Washington, D.C.: Federal Highway Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation. Katherine F. Turnbull (2008) U.S. and International Approaches to Performance Measurement for Transportation Systems: Summary of a Conference - September 9-12, 2007, Beckman Conference Center, Irvine, California, Washington, D.C.: Transportation Research Board, National Academies.

11. Federal Highway Administration (2013) MAP-21 Fact Sheets: Performance Management, Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Transportation [website accessed March 4, 2015].

12. Mike Lewis (2015) MAP-21 Educational Series Summary Presentation, presentation at the Rhode Island State Planning Councils Transportation Advisory Committee, Providence, RI, January 22.

13. John Flaherty (2014) 2014 Legislative Wrap, Providence, RI: GrowSmartRI.

14. Edward L. Hillsman, Sara J. Hendricks, and JoAnne K. Fiebe (2012) A Summary of Design, Policies and Operational Characteristics for Shared Bicycle/Bus Lanes, project no. BDK85 977-32, Tallahassee, FL: Florida Department of Transportation Research Center.

15. Claire Cain Miller (2014) Where Young College Graduates Are Choosing to Live, New York Times, October 20.

16. Joe Gose (2014) Millennials Going to Kansas City, to Live and Work, New York Times, August 19.

17. Paul Taylor, Kim Parker, Rich Morin, Rick Fry, Eileen Patten, and Anna Brown (2014) The Rising Cost of Not Going to College, Washington, D.C.: Pew Research Center.

ENDNOTES

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PARTNERS

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The Collaborative was developed in response to calls from the Governors office, public officials, and community leaders to leverage the research capacity of the states 11 colleges and universities and to provide non-partisan research for informed economic policy decisions.

Following the Make It Happen RI economic development summit, the Rhode Island Foundation committed funding for the creation of The Collaborative. As a proactive community and philanthropic leader, the Foundation recognized The Collaborative as an opportunity for public and private sectors to work together to improve the quality of life for all Rhode Island residents. In FY 2013, the State of Rhode Island matched the Foundations funding, viewing The Collaborative as a cost-effective approach to leverage the talent and resources in the state for the development of sustainable economic policy.

Rhode Islands 11 colleges and universities agreed to partner with The Collaborative, and the presidents from each institution formed the Leadership Team. A Panel of Policy Leaders was appointed by the Governors office, the Rhode Island House of Representatives, and the Rhode Island Senate to represent both the executive branch and the legislative branch of state government. This panel is responsible for coming to consensus on research areas of importance to Rhode Island.

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Millennials on the Move Attracting Young Workers Through Better Transportation