What generational data tells us about Australia’s transport future
At a glance
Australia is entering a pivotal moment in its transport future. As the nation debates the merits and challenges of high speed rail, data from GHD’s CROSSROADS survey reveals a generational appetite for better public transport. This article explores how public transport is viewed across age groups, what can be learnt from global leaders, and the practical steps needed to deliver high speed rail in an Australian context.
Generational appetite for public transport: What the data tells us
GHD's comprehensive research study, CROSSROADS, is a survey of more than 10,000 people across 10 countries. It presents an insightful global snapshot of community sentiment and multi-generational perspectives through an infrastructure lens.
CROSSROADS grouped all public transport modes together – trains, buses, ferries – and found that public transport is widely seen as an enabler of housing, accessibility, and community connection. Notably, younger Australians (Gen Z and Millennials) are especially eager for not only more public transport, but also services that are safer and cost-effective. While older generations showed less enthusiasm in comparison, more than half of Baby Boomers agreed that they would use public transport more if services improved.
There’s also a clear trend toward paying a premium to live near quality public transport – alongside schools, hospitals and parks – especially among young people. This willingness drops among older generations, highlighting the importance of designing future transport solutions not for today’s Australians, but for tomorrows.
Lessons from Singapore: Universal access and generational equity
At present, there’s no high speed rail in Australia. International comparisons though, provide valuable context.
In Singapore, access to public and active transport solutions is high. CROSSROADS data found 81 per cent of respondents agreeing that they had safe and easy travel options aside from a car to get around.
Sentiment towards public transport is high across all generations, with little generational divide, and likely linked to how readily accessible services are. Similarly, willingness to pay for proximity to public transport is lower than Australia, likely because access is already universal.
It’s difficult to measure the number of Australians who have access to public transport – access can be measured in different ways, and often regional and remote communities who lack services are not represented. However, CROSSROADS data shows that only 54 per cent of respondents felt that there were plenty of safe and straightforward ways to get around their community without needing a car, an indication that there are gaps in the nation’s public transport network.
Australia’s unique geography presents significant challenges for developing efficient transport networks, especially when compared to countries like Singapore, where high housing density supports integrated public transport. Population distribution is a critical factor in shaping Australia’s transport future. A substantial portion of Australians live along the east coast corridor, with the combined populations of Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Canberra alone – excluding the many surrounding regional centres – accounting for more than half of the nation’s total. Projections indicate that by 2075, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane alone could collectively exceed 30 million residents. While Australia may never reach the level of access as densely populated countries, there remains a significant opportunity to improve connectivity and access for communities across the country.
In Singapore, public transport is a given, not a luxury. The generational gap narrows and the system is simply expected to deliver for everyone. For Australia, this suggests that universal, reliable access is the foundation for generational equity in transport.
High speed rail as a catalyst: Closing the gap and connecting communities
What does this mean for high speed rail in Australia?
The data suggests that Australia’s younger generations are ready for better public transport and high speed rail could be a catalyst for change – connecting communities, enabling housing and supporting economic growth. Including multi-generational perspectives in high speed rail planning and design will support a system that meets the needs of both todays and tomorrow’s Australians. Engaging younger Australians and recognising their willingness to embrace new mobility solutions opens the door to fit for future solutions.
It also gives an insight into what different generations desire. The CROSSROADS data showed younger generations value digital activation experience, with 65 per cent agreeing that public Wi-Fi and more digital access points throughout the community would improve their quality of life. In other countries across the globe, high speed rail services often offer free Wi-Fi, supporting passengers commuting to work and boosting overall customer experience, and as such should be a consideration for future planning and design of the Australian rail network.
What could this look like for regional communities? High speed rail has the potential to bridge the gap between urban and regional areas, connecting people to opportunity and enabling more equitable access to employment, healthcare and education. It also opens the door to new housing opportunities, particularly in well-designed communities that offer amenity, connectivity and lifestyle benefits. With many Australians, especially younger Australians, expressing a willingness to pay more to live near public transport and essential services, high speed rail could support the development of vibrant regional centres that deliver on both liveability and long-term growth.
Beyond the benefits of connectivity, CROSSROADS also highlighted that active modes of travel are gaining traction, particularly with younger Australians. It’s an indication that our future transport networks need to include a range of mobility solutions and support active and sustainable mobility – not only does this have the potential to support health and wellbeing, but it can also serve as an incentive for those aiming to reduce their carbon footprint.
The next stop: Building a connected future
Australia’s transport future is at a pivotal moment. Public transport is not just a service, but a foundation for creating thriving, connected communities, the CROSSROADS data supports this. The generational appetite for better transport is strong and international examples like Singapore show what is possible when access is universal and equity is prioritised.
By listening to the voices of all generations and learning from global leaders, Australia can build a transport legacy that delivers for everyone. The opportunity is here to create a future where mobility is a right, not just a privilege, and where long-term solutions like high speed rail catalyse a more connected, equitable and sustainable nation.