CTS 25th Annual Transportation Research Conference

Saint Paul RiverCentre
175 West Kellogg Boulevard
Saint Paul, MN 55102

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Opening Session: The End of Car Culture? Socio-Demographic Trends and Travel Demand

Wednesday, May 21, 8:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

In the next 30 to 40 years, the transportation industry will face many new and emerging trends that will dramatically reshape priorities and needs. To help practitioners face these changes and effectively shape the future, a National Cooperative Highway Research Program study is investigating these trends and their implications for the transportation system.

One trend—changing socio-demographic factors—is expected to considerably affect travel demand. Although America has long been one of the world’s prime car cultures, that status might be shifting because of new population and demographic trends. The graying and browning of America, slow household growth, and a hyperlinked younger generation are all playing a role.

In the opening session, John Njord, former CEO of the Utah Department of Transportation and now with Tom Warne and Associates, will discuss key socio-demographic trends, their potential impacts on future travel demand, and their implications for state DOTs and MPOs. He will also provide an overview of a customizable tool that can help planners and policymakers explore the interaction of demographic trends and travel demand in their regions.

Following Njord’s presentation, a panel of experts will share their perspectives on these socio-demographic trends and their implications for transportation professionals.