Millennials on the Move: Attracting Young

Workers through Better Transportation

BY
Jonathan Harris, M.I.D.
Johnson & Wales University

2015

INFRASTRUCTURE

2015

REGIONAL COMPETITIVENESS

WILL EXPANDING MEDICAID HELP THE ECONOMY?

50 Park Row West, Suite 100

Providence, RI 02903
www.collaborativeri.org
Amber Caulkins
Program Director
amber@collaborativeri.org
401.588.1792

The College & University Research Collaborative (The Collaborative)

is a statewide public/private partnership of Rhode Islands 11 colleges
and universities that connects public policy and academic research. The
Collaboratives mission is to increase the use of non-partisan academic
research in policy development and to provide an evidence-based
foundation for government decision-making. The Collaborative turns
research into action by sharing research with policymakers, community
leaders, partner organizations, and the citizens of Rhode Island.
CURRENT RESEARCH PROJECTS
WORKFORCE
The Economic Benefits of a Flexible Workplace
by Barbara Silver, Ph.D., University of Rhode Island
The Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed for Large and Growing Occupations in Rhode Island
by Matthew M. Bodah, Ph.D., University of Rhode Island, University of Rhode Island Student
Researchers: Alyssa Bazinet, Oscar Soons, Ethan Zawatsky

Jonathan Harris, M.I.D., LEED-AP

received his B.A. from the University of WisconsinMadison in 1992.
In 2000, Mr. Harris graduated from
Rhode Island School of Design with
a Masters of Industrial Design. Mr.
Harris graduate work examined
transportation and its relationship
to identity and the civic experience.
The results of his research redefined the bus stop, integrating transit and neighborhood identity. Mr.
Harris has continued to apply his
research in communities throughout New England.

Preparing Rhode Islands Workforce for the Jobs of the Future

by Elzotbek Rustambekov, Ph.D., Bryant University

Mr. Harris designs, constructs, and

installs unique Urban Amenities
that create neighborhood identity
providing for pedestrians and bicycles. He also consults on transit
design and planning.

REGIONAL COMPETITIVENESS

Mr. Harris is an Assistant Professor at Johnson & Wales University,

where he teaches three-dimensional design and professional practices in the School of Engineering
and Design.

Rhode Island Unemployment: Is There Labor Market Mismatch?

by Neil Mehrotra, Ph.D., Brown University
INFRASTRUCTURE
Improving Infrastructure through Public Private Partnerships
by Amine Ghanem, Ph.D., Roger Williams University
Millennials on the Move: Attracting Young Workers through Better Transportation
by Jonathan Harris, M.I.D., Johnson & Wales University
The Road to Better Bridges: Strategies for Maintaining Infrastructure
by Nicole Martino, Ph.D., Roger Williams University

Choosing a Health Exchange for Rhode Island

by Jessica Mulligan, Ph.D., Providence College
The Economic Impact of Expanding Medicaid
by Liam C. Malloy, Ph.D., University of Rhode Island; Shanna Pearson-Merkowitz, Ph.D., University of
Rhode Island
Ensuring Paid Family Leave Pays Off
by Shanna Pearson-Merkowitz, Ph.D., University of Rhode Island
Rachel-Lyn Longo, Student Researcher, University of Rhode Island
Strategies for a Competitive Rhode Island
by Suchandra Basu, Ph.D., Rhode Island College; Ramesh Mohan, Ph.D., Bryant University;
Joseph W. Roberts, Ph.D., Roger Williams University
MANUFACTURING
Rhode Islands Maker-Related Assets
by Dawn Edmondson, MFA, New England Institute of Technology; Susan Gorelick, Ph.D., New England
Institute of Technology; Beth Mosher, MFA, Rhode Island School of Design

WILL EXPANDING MEDICAID HELP THE ECONOMY?

Millennials on the Move: Attracting Young

Workers through Better Transportation
JONATHAN HARRIS, M.I.D., JOHNSON & WALES UNIVERSITY

The greatest generation, the baby boomers, and

As I head downstairs for breakfast,
I hear a chime from my phone. The
next bus will be arriving in 10 minutes, hardly time to make coffee. I
check the weather forecast, and its
sunny outside, so I decide to ride
my bike to work. If Im too tired to
bike home at the end of the day or if
the weather goes south, I can throw
my bike on the bus and be on my
way.

generation X have been joined by a new American

generation: the millennials. This group of 75 million
people born in the 1980s and 1990s1 thrives on flexibility,
is comfortable with the latest technology, and gravitates
toward an urban lifestyle.(a) More than a quarter of
Rhode Islands population is comprised of millennials
ages 15 to 34, including many of its 88,000 college

FIG 1.
A DAY IN THE
LIFE OF A
MILLENNIAL

students.2 Almost 40% of residents living in the state

capitol, Providence, belong to this generation.2

FIG. 2 POPULATION BY GENERATION (IN MILLIONS), 2015

75

66

75

29

Millennials

Gen-X

Boomers

Silent

Born 1981-97

Born 1965-80

Born 1946-64

Born 1928-45

(a) While it is difficult to

make generalizations about
the character of an entire
generation, millennials
tend to be technologically
savvy and more politically
inclusive and tolerant than
older generations.3 They
were hit hard by the 2008
recession and do not trust
that they can enjoy job
security in traditional fields,
driving many to pursue
entrepreneurial endeavors
and value flexibility in the
workplace..4 Many millennials
are attracted to an urban
lifestyle5 and have followed
broader societal trends
by moving into cities,
particularly mid-size cities.6

Source: Pew Research Center1

The Collaborative | April 2015

MILLENNIALS ON THE MOVE: ATTRACTING YOUNG WORKERS THROUGH BETTER TRANSPORTATION

(b) About 14% of Rhode

Islands population is over
age 65, making it the 11th
oldest state in the nation.
It also has the largest share
of people 85 and older in the
country.

FIG.3 EDUCATION LEVELS OF TWENTYFIVE TO THIRTY-TWO YEAR OLDS ACROSS

GENERATIONS
50%

43

39

High School
Degree Only

24
13
0

Silent
(1965)

33

34

25

26

Bachelors Degree
or More
Early Boomers
(1979)

Gen Xers
(1995)

Millennials
(2013)

In a small state with an aging population, millennials are an important group to attract and
retain as residents.(b) Businesses are looking for
tech-savvy workers with scientific and technical skills who can stay up-to-speed in a rapidly
changing world. Millennials also have the educational background many employers are seeking,
as they are more likely to have an undergraduate
or postsecondary degree than adults from earlier
generations.6

Source: Pew Research Center17

Given the important role millennials will play in Rhode Islands economic
future, what can the state do to become a more attractive place for them
to live and work? One promising approach is to develop a transportation
infrastructure that suits the millennial lifestyle, providing flexibility and
supporting the active, urban way of life these young people value.

FIG. 4 WHERE URBAN MILLENNIALS LIVE

Transportation factors heavily into where millennials choose to live: According to a study
by the Transportation Research Board, urban
young adults without children make these decisions primarily based on whether a city is easy
to get around, with plenty of public transit options available.7 Nearly two-thirds of millennials
report a preference for mixed-use communities
with a variety of businesses and entertainment
options clustered together.5

11.0%

Outside the city, but close enough for semiregular trips into the main part of the city

33.2%

Just outside the city, but close enough for

regular trips into the main part of the city

22.0%

Within the city limits, but not downtown

19.8%

Near downtown

14.0%

Right downtown

Data was extrapolated from a survey of 1,000 people age 22 to

34 living in Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, Portland, and
Washington D.C.

Source: Transportation Research Board7*

The Collaborative | April 2015

MILLENNIALS ON THE MOVE: ATTRACTING YOUNG WORKERS THROUGH BETTER TRANSPORTATION

How well does Rhode Islands transportation system meet the needs of
millennials? What can the state do to make its system more millennial-friendly?
FIG. 5 CHANGE IN YOUNG ADULTS TRAVEL PATTERNS BETWEEN 2001 & 2009

27%
MORE

16%
MORE

4%

MORE

23%
LESS

Source: U.S. PIRG

Education Fund8

Bicycle

Walking

Transit

Driving

THE TRANSPORTATION HABITS OF MILLENNIALS

Though millennials are a diverse generation,

some general trends have emerged regarding
their transportation preferences. They are walking, biking, and taking public transportation
significantly more than people their age did a
decade ago.(c) Today, 20% of millennials use public transit at least once a week, compared to 7%
of Generation Xers and 10% of baby boomers.8
They are also driving less and are less likely to
own cars or have drivers licenses.(d) On average,
77% of millennials drive to work, compared to
92% of Generation Xers and 90% of baby boomers.7
For millennials in large cities, walking is the
most commonly used form of transportation,
with 79% getting around on foot a few times a
week or more. Driving is the second most popular mode of travel for urban millennials with
63% using a car for transportation multiple times
a week followed by bus (45%) and subway or
light rail (43%).7
Though environmental concerns and lifestyle
preferences certainly play a role, a major factor
behind this shift in transportation habits is eco-

nomic. Urban millennials report that they make

transportation choices based primarily on cost
and convenience.7 High levels of unemployment
since the recession and the financial strain of paying off college loans have held some millennials
back from buying cars, as has their tendency to
delay marriage, childbirth, and home ownership.8
Technology is also playing a role in millennials transportation habits. Their generation was
the first to come of age immersed in the digital
world, and they tend to be tech-savvy and device-saturated as a result.3 Millennials may prefer
to use public transit because it allows them to
work or connect online during their commute, a
service some transportation authorities are beginning to provide.(e)
Smart phones and a plethora of apps also support
flexible and varied transportation choices.8 Millennials can access public transit locations and
schedules or look up the most efficient biking
or walking routes on their phones. When they
do need a car, they can locate a shared vehicle
through Zipcar, find a rideshare on social networking sites, or hail a car via Uber.

(c) In 2009, people age 16 to

34 took 16% more walking
trips, 27% more biking trips,
and 4% more public transit
trips per person than the
same age group did in 2001.8
(d) In the past decade, the
average number of miles
driven by people age 16 to 34
has decreased 23%. In the
years after the recession, the
number of cars purchased by
18 to 34 year olds fell by 30%.
In addition, an increasing
number of high school
seniors are forgoing drivers
licenses. The licensing rate
in 1996 was 85% but by 2010
it had dropped to 73%, and
it appears this trend will
continue.8
(e) When asked what they
want from transportation in
the future, over half of urban
millennials said they would
like access to Wi-Fi, 3G, or 4G
networks during all trips.7

The Collaborative | April 2015

MILLENNIALS ON THE MOVE: ATTRACTING YOUNG WORKERS THROUGH BETTER TRANSPORTATION

(f) The federal government

provides around 80% of
the funding for Rhode
Island transportation
infrastructure.9
(g) Rhode Islands future
transportation priorities
are outlined in the states
four-year Transportation
Improvement Program (TIP).9
Inclusion of a project in the
plan does not guarantee

A NEW VISION FOR TRANSPORTATION

PLANNING

How can Rhode Island adapt its transportation

infrastructure to address the millennial-led shift
away from cars and toward walking, public transit, and biking? As it stands now, the vast majority
(77%) of Rhode Islands transportation funding
is allocated to highway construction and maintenance. Infrastructure projects that support an active millennial lifestyle are granted smaller sums:
4% for bicycle and pedestrian paths, 5% for rail
transport, and 14% for bus services.9
At the national level, policy makers and transportation experts are adopting a more holistic
approach to evaluating transportation system
performance and identifying funding priorities.10
The Federal Highway Administration, Federal
Transit Administration, and other divisions within the U.S. Department of Transportation have
shifted from prioritizing throughput the number of people or vehicles that can be transported
by a system to valuing other factors related to
quality of life, system efficiency and accountability, and environmental and economic impacts.11
This system performance approach expands the
nature of transportation planning. Agencies make
decisions about highway funding based on not
only the number of cars that can drive on a road,
but also strategies for reducing congestion, promoting safety, and decreasing carbon emissions.11
A public transit project to increase local bus capacity might also focus on issues such as what
routes buses take, whether they reliably arrive at
scheduled stops on time, what energy sources the
buses run on, and whether they are accessible to
all riders.
The shift to a more holistic, performance-based
approach to transportation planning and funding

The Collaborative | April 2015

FIG. 6 ALLOCATION OF RI TRANSPORTATION

FUNDING, 2013-2016
Highway - 77%
Bike/Pedestrian - 4%
Bus - 14%

Rail - 5%

Source: RI Division of Planning9

aligns with the interests of millennials moving

away from driving and toward more accessible,
affordable, and varied transportation options.
Rhode Island is beginning to echo this change
in mindset, and, in fact, is required to move in
this direction in order to continue receiving federal funding.(f) As the state gears up to review its
transportation projects for the next four years,
the Rhode Island Department of Transportation
(RIDOT) has recognized that the old system of
defining and rating projects is inadequate and
is transitioning to a system-performance view
aligned with the new federal requirements.(g) As
part of this effort, they have outlined system-level
goals and created new offices to track performance and support planning.12
MILLENNIAL-FRIENDLY
TRANSPORTATION INITIATIVES

Although the great majority of Rhode Islands

transportation funding still goes to roadways and
bridges, the state has implemented some projects
that align more closely with millennials needs.
Construction is nearly complete on the Washington Bridge Bikeway and Linear Park, a pedestrian and bicycle path along the 195 Washington
Bridge. This project will provide easy access to the
East Bay Bike Path from downtown Providence

MILLENNIALS ON THE MOVE: ATTRACTING YOUNG WORKERS THROUGH BETTER TRANSPORTATION

FIG.7 UPCOMING & PROPOSED MILLENNIAL-FRIENDLY TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS IN RI

Blackstone River
Bikeway Connector

Pawtucket and Central Falls

Commuter Rail Stop

Providence River
Pedestrian Bridge

Washington Bridge
Bikeway and Linear Pedestrian Park

The Collaborative | April 2015

MILLENNIALS ON THE MOVE: ATTRACTING YOUNG WORKERS THROUGH BETTER TRANSPORTATION

funding, but it does begin

the process of prioritizing
the project and potentially
obtaining federal funding
for it.
(h) Long-term financial
solvency for RIPTA continues
to be a concern. Since its
funding still relies heavily
on gas taxes, as demand
for public transit grows and
private vehicle use declines,
revenues will decline as well.
(i) Though much of the
Blackstone River Bikeway
is already in place, there
are several key connections
missing. In these spots,
bikers are forced into

and India Point Park, itself a much-beloved location where millennials are drawn to exercise, relax,
and socialize. A pedestrian bridge is also in the
works to connect the eastern and western banks
of downtown Providence. The bridge will offer a
Providence River crossing for walkers and bikers
between the South Water and Point Street Bridges, while also carving out attractive park space on
either shore.
The state also recently channeled additional funding toward the RIPTA bus system, although some
see this as more of a stopgap measure than a longterm solution.(h) In 2014, the General Assembly
created the Highway Maintenance Account to
fund roads and bridges with revenue from higher
gas taxes and vehicle inspection fees, new traffic violation fees, rental car surcharges, and other
sources. Importantly, the legislature allocated 5%
of the accounts funds to RIPTA.13
While these policies and projects are a start, there
is much more that can be done to adapt Rhode
Islands transportation infrastructure to attract
millennials. Most importantly, less money could
be earmarked specifically for roads and funding
could instead support a broader range of types of
transportation. In addition to appealing to millennials, a strong push toward integrated public
transportation systems and away from personal
vehicles would also reduce wear and tear on roads
and bridges and improve the economy and the environment. While realigning funding priorities in
this way is a long-term project, there are simple
solutions that can be implemented more quickly

to start shifting the focus of the transportation

system. For example, creating bike and bus lanes is
an inexpensive option that can be done within the
existing infrastructure system.14
As Rhode Island moves to strengthen transportation options other than driving, connectivity is
also a key concern. Initiatives that boost intra-city
connectivity would appeal to young people living
in Providence and other urban cores. Price-tiered
bus fares, for example, make short trips more affordable and thus make public transit more attractive to cost-conscious millennials. Improving connectivity between cities is also critical. A proposed
commuter rail stop in Pawtucket and Central Falls
would link that area to Providence and Boston,
providing a car alternative that would strengthen
Pawtuckets attractiveness to young artists and
other millennials. Connecting remaining breaks
in the 12-mile Blackstone River Bikeway and the
missing mile in the 19-mile Washington Secondary Rail-Trail would safeguard bikers from hectic
traffic stops during their commute, while also providing recreational access to the new Blackstone
River Valley National Park(i) and through the cities of Cranston, Warwick, West Warwick, & Coventry respectively. 24
Another type of connectivity to consider is Internet and cell phone access. Making 3G, 4G, and
wireless technology available on public transit
and providing apps that allow users to easily access transportation schedules and routes will make
public transit more appealing and accessible to
tech-savvy millennials.

These types of projects would help make Rhode Island a more connected,
accessible place to live, with a robust transportation infrastructure attractive
to young professionals.

The Collaborative | April 2015

MILLENNIALS ON THE MOVE: ATTRACTING YOUNG WORKERS THROUGH BETTER TRANSPORTATION

Bike paths, pedestrian bridges, and other transportation alternatives do

more than contribute to Rhode Islands charm they offer commuting and
recreational opportunities that can attract a millennial workforce and bolster
the states economy. A guiding principle for developing millennial-friendly
transportation should be to connect neighborhoods and cities to each other
and make them accessible in as many ways possible: on foot, by bike, via
public transit, and by car, whether public, private, or shared.
MOVING RHODE ISLAND FORWARD

While many cities saw an influx of young college

graduates over the past decade, with increases of
up to 50%, Providence grew its population of college-educated millennials just 6% from 2000 to
2012. Kansas City, Missouri, is one city that has
succeeded in attracting the educated millennial

workforce, despite having no particular advantage

over other cities when it comes to job prospects.
Housing and office construction are booming
as millennials move to the city for new cultural
opportunities, mixed-use development, and a
planned streetcar line. With the right transportation infrastructure, Providence might be able to
draw in more millennials as well.

The tail end of the millennial generation is coming into adulthood and entering
the workforce in droves. In order to bring their creative and economic energy
to the state, Rhode Island should have a well-connected, technologicallyenhanced transportation infrastructure that supports millennials urban,
active, flexible lifestyle. The state can attract millennials by continuing its
recent move toward a performance-based approach to transportation planning
and allocating more funding to mass transit, pedestrian, biking, and car- and
bike-sharing projects. The more choices there are for millennials to get to
where they are going, the more likely they are to stay.

The Collaborative | April 2015

WILL EXPANDING MEDICAID HELP THE ECONOMY?

ENDNOTES
1.

Richard Fry (2015) This year, will overtake Baby Boomers, Fact Tank: News in the Numbers, Washington, D.C.: Pew
Research Center.

2.

G. Wayne Miller (2014) Providence Millennials veer from their parents path, at work and at home, Providence Journal,
November 15.

3.

Pew Research Center (2014) Millennials in Adulthood: Detached from Institutions, Networked with Friends,
Washington, D.C.

4.

Sally Seppanen and Wendy Gualtieri (2012) The Millennial Generation: Research Review, Washington, D.C.: National
Chamber Foundation, U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

5.

Nielsen (2014) Millennials Prefer Cities to Suburbs, Subways to Driveways, New York.

6.

Council of Economic Advisers (2014) 15 Economic Facts About Millennials, Washington, D.C.: The White House.

7.

Neela Sakaria and Natalie Stehfest (2013) Millennials & Mobility: Understanding the Millennial Mindset and New
Opportunities for Transit Providers, Washington, D.C.: Transportation Research Board, National Academies.

8.

Tony Dutzik, Jeff Inglis, and Phineas Baxandall (2014) Millennials in Motion: Changing Travel Habits of Young
Americans and the Implications for Public Policy, Boston: U.S. PIRG Education Fund.

9.

Rhode Island Division of Planning (2012) Transportation Improvement Program: FY 20132016, Providence, RI.

10. Michael Grant, Janet DIgnazio, Alexander Bond, and Alanna McKeeman (2013) Performance Based Planning and
Programming Guidebook, FHWA-HEP-13-041, Washington, D.C.: Federal Highway Administration, U.S. Department
of Transportation. Katherine F. Turnbull (2008) U.S. and International Approaches to Performance Measurement for
Transportation Systems: Summary of a Conference - September 9-12, 2007, Beckman Conference Center, Irvine,
California, Washington, D.C.: Transportation Research Board, National Academies.
11. Federal Highway Administration (2013) MAP-21 Fact Sheets: Performance Management, Washington, D.C.: U.S.
Department of Transportation [website accessed March 4, 2015].
12. Mike Lewis (2015) MAP-21 Educational Series Summary Presentation, presentation at the Rhode Island State
Planning Councils Transportation Advisory Committee, Providence, RI, January 22.
13. John Flaherty (2014) 2014 Legislative Wrap, Providence, RI: GrowSmartRI.
14. Edward L. Hillsman, Sara J. Hendricks, and JoAnne K. Fiebe (2012) A Summary of Design, Policies and Operational
Characteristics for Shared Bicycle/Bus Lanes, project no. BDK85 977-32, Tallahassee, FL: Florida Department of
Transportation Research Center.
15. Claire Cain Miller (2014) Where Young College Graduates Are Choosing to Live, New York Times, October 20.
16. Joe Gose (2014) Millennials Going to Kansas City, to Live and Work, New York Times, August 19.
17. Paul Taylor, Kim Parker, Rich Morin, Rick Fry, Eileen Patten, and Anna Brown (2014) The Rising Cost of Not Going to
College, Washington, D.C.: Pew Research Center.

The Collaborative was developed in response to calls from the Governors office,
public officials, and community leaders to leverage the research capacity of the
states 11 colleges and universities and to provide non-partisan research for
informed economic policy decisions.
50 Park Row West, Suite 100
Providence, RI 02903
www.collaborativeri.org
Amber Caulkins
Program Director
amber@collaborativeri.org
401.588.1792

Following the Make It Happen RI economic development summit, the Rhode

Island Foundation committed funding for the creation of The Collaborative. As a
proactive community and philanthropic leader, the Foundation recognized The
Collaborative as an opportunity for public and private sectors to work together
to improve the quality of life for all Rhode Island residents. In FY 2013, the State
of Rhode Island matched the Foundations funding, viewing The Collaborative as
a cost-effective approach to leverage the talent and resources in the state for
the development of sustainable economic policy.
Rhode Islands 11 colleges and universities agreed to partner with The
Collaborative, and the presidents from each institution formed the Leadership
Team. A Panel of Policy Leaders was appointed by the Governors office,
the Rhode Island House of Representatives, and the Rhode Island Senate
to represent both the executive branch and the legislative branch of state
government. This panel is responsible for coming to consensus on research
areas of importance to Rhode Island.

PARTNERS

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The Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Rhode Island is an alliance

representing the eight independent institutions of higher learning within the State of Rhode Island.
Designed to address common interests and concerns of independent colleges and universities
within the state, the Association serves as the collective and unified voice of its member
institutions.

For questions and more information about

The Collaborative, please visit

collaborativeri.org
2015

INFRASTRUCTURE

2015

REGIONAL COMPETITIVENESS