Car ownership perceptions and intentions amongst South African students

High levels of car ownership have major impacts on congestion and thus the mobility, accessibility, heath and liveability in cities. Increasing car ownership is already reflected in high congestion levels in South African cities and does not appear to be reducing, despite policy interventions. The factors that drive the high car ownership intentions thus need to be investigated, so that policy efforts can be appropriately directed. The study aimed at investigating the car ownership intentions of students, as being most likely to drive car sales in the future, with the purpose of understanding the factors underlying the high desire to own a car. The study finds that although costs are the main barrier to market entry, and that most students intend to purchase a car as soon as they can afford it. These intentions are largely driven by the view that the quality of public transport constrains the movement of people and does not provide a travel alternative that is considered to be a reasonable alternative to the car, as indicated by the view that cars are a necessity. The study finds that although there are differences in the valuation of public and alternative modes of transport, based on demographic elements, familiarity with car usage and psychosocial factors, most students intend to own a car as the best means of travel, with little seeming to moderate the decision. The poor valuation of public and alternative transport suggests however that, whilst other measures to curb car use and promote public transport may have value, only significant service level improvements in public transport is likely to drive real behaviour change.