Interesting Article - Travel Habits of Gen Y

I have recently read an article from the American Planning Association Journal. It is an incitfull article on the changing travel behaviours of the younger generations. In particular, the way that technology has changed perspectives of public Vs Private.
The article outlines Gen Y's preference for active travel recently - the ability to constantly stay connected virtually while travelling. No longer important is the need for personal, private space, such as cars, as technology has allowed us to take our things with us - Our music, Our library, Our communications, Our work, Our friends with us. We are preferring to be able to work while we are travelling, making use of it as an additional time to do out jobs, rather than spend it, say driving a car.
I must say, even now, I have more friends who don't own their own car than do. Then there are the people who share cars with family, which is surprisingly popular.

The deal it, younger people are starting to value the time, staying connected via wireless and wi-fi. They/ we would rather spend an extra hour catching a bus, being a productive trip, than catch a plane, which isolates you for a period of time, because you aren't allowed to use mobile or wireless devices, as it may interfere with the aircraft.

I think the major point that this article makes, is that a High Speed Rail network, comparable in time to flying would be far be the more lucrative option for people whose fundamental objective is to remain 'connected'. It just demonstrates the viability of a high speed rail network in australia, especially amongst the younger generations that have grown up with, and embraced personal digital technology. Although the article focuses on gene Y, it also alludes to the growing popularity of technology in Gen X and the subsequent baby boomers, and they too increasingly see the value in personal devices.