Generational differences in the effect of childhood experieces on travel attitudes and behavior

A growing number of travel behaviour studies combine objective and subjective factors such as perceptions and attitudes when explaining individual’s travel behaviour. However, most studies consider these subjective factors as a given or as a static trait of the individual. This paper, on the other hand, uses a dynamic approach of residential perceptions and travel attitudes by investigating how childhood residential and travel experiences affect current attitudes and behaviour. Moreover, a multiple group path analysis illustrates how these relationships differ between generations. Results indicate that childhood experiences do have a significant effect on current travel behaviour, but primarily work indirectly through influencing current travel attitudes first. This is especially true for the younger Generations X and Y, and no longer for the older generation of Baby boomers.