Changing cities, changing modes: transport choices for the 21st century

As Australia is changing, Australian transport use is evolving. Our population is growing strongly and recently reached 23 million. Most of this population growth is in our large cities. An ageing population means that a smaller percentage of adults will be in the workforce. More Australians (especially families) are living in apartments and in some areas a higher percentage of households do not own a car. These changes are not even n they are most obvious in our cities, especially inner urban areas. Australians are changing some of their travel patterns, including increasing their use of public transport and active modes. We are also using a wider range of vehicles, and developing innovative ways to have convenient access to both cars and bikes, without owning them. There is likely to be increased pressure on governments to fund public transport systems, active travel facilities, and to create safe, attractive environments for all transport modes. These changes have implications for traffic and transport planners.