Young Mexicans Favor Cars but Want Improved Urban Transport

A recent study by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation highlights young people’s transportation preferences and concerns in Mexico, underscoring the dominant role of private vehicles and the need for urban mobility infrastructure development.

The report, Emerging Urban Mobility, conducted in 2022 and published in 2024, surveyed youth from Mexico, Indonesia, and Morocco to explore how urban mobility may evolve in emerging economies. The study notes that cities in these countries face high population density, dynamic economic growth, and significant social disparities.

In Mexico, results show a strong preference for private cars: 82.7% of respondents hold a driver’s license, and 79.2% own a car. Daily trips mainly involve commuting to work or school, “demonstrating the dominant role of private transport in Mexican cities,” the study notes.

Despite this, there is a gradual shift toward sustainable transport modes, including public transit, cycling, and walking. This trend is most advanced in Mexico City but is expected to expand nationwide.

When ranking future transportation potential, Mexican youth prioritized private cars, followed by bicycles and walking. Moroccan respondents also chose private cars first but ranked walking second and cycling third. Indonesian youth favored public transport, followed by private cars and bicycles.

Key mobility attributes valued across all three countries include safety, affordability, comfort, flexibility, and speed. In Mexico, approximately 69% of participants expressed interest in experiencing improved and more attractive mobility services.