• by Karl Greenberg , November 22, 2010

A study commissioned by Zipcar, a car sharing service, says half of all 18 to 34-year-old drivers are driving less, and nearly two-thirds would drive less if alternative transportation options were available. KRC Research, which conducted the survey of licensed drivers last month, found that 45% of Millennials said they had "consciously made an effort to reduce how much they drive," and 64% said they would drive less if alternative options including public transportation, car sharing or carpooling were available in their area.  

Cost of ownership was the biggest reason respondents gave for wanting to give up wheels. Eighty percent of the Millennial respondents said ownership is unattractive because of car payments, gas, parking and maintenance.

The study, based on a pool of 1,025 adults age 18 and over, of which 966 were licensed drivers, said social media makes 18-34 year olds drive less because they are visiting friends virtually. Fifty four percent of respondents said they choose to spend time online in social networks with friends instead of driving to see them, versus 46% for 35 to 44-year olds, 34% for 45 to 55-year olds, and 18% for 55-year olds and older.

The study also found that Millennials are more likely than other age groups to be influenced in their driving habits by environmental concerns around global warming and pollution. Forty five percent of respondents said as much versus 39% of 35 to 44-year olds, and 37% of 45 to 54-year olds.  The study found that, paradoxically, 42% of over-55 year olds said they would drive less to protect the environment.