Americans Still Prefer the Freedom of the Road

Though ride-sharing, public transportation use and other alternative forms of transportation may be on the rise among some parts of the U.S. population, especially younger generations, people are driving themselves more than they did five years ago, according to a new study.

The “On the Move” survey by transportation services provider Enterprise Mobility shows the millennial and generation Z cohorts report driving more today than before the pandemic, 41% and 47%, respectively, compared to 33% of generation X and 16% of baby boomers.

The survey further found that, true to the American individualistic spirit, a personally owned vehicle is preferred for the freedom and control it affords, 73% of respondents saying they see privately owned cars to continue to be their choice for getting around in 10 years.

That desire for control makes about the same percentage of respondents, 72%, say they prefer to be in charge of the driving in their cars, not automatic systems, though such technology excites them for its possibility to allow them to do other things on the road and make travel easier for those who can’t drive.