Future life course and mobility: A latent class analysis of young adults in Victoria, Australia

Abstract Many studies have explored whether young adults are using cars less than previous generations. Where reductions in car-based mobility have occurred, they are often linked to delays in adult life stage transitions among the millennial generation. What is not yet known is whether young adults will revert entirely to the car-based mobility of previous generations when they ‘grow up’. This study is the first to measure the predicted future life course of young adults and link it to their travel behaviour. The aim of this study is to explore the diversity of life paths among young adults, drawing from a survey of 885 21-25 year olds in Victoria, Australia. Results found that young adults fell into one of five ‘prospective life course segments’ with distinct demographics and mobility patterns. Although no-one can predict the future, the study provides additional insights into the diversity of life and mobility pathways among Australian young adults.