Amid ongoing fuel price pressures, new research, conducted by Cambridgeshire’s biggest bus operator, Stagecoach East, reveals that Gen Z are making deliberate, financially savvy changes to how they travel, with the vast majority of local young people (84%) in the county saying they have had to change how they commute as the cost of driving skyrockets.
The research suggests a major shift is underway, with young adults increasingly questioning whether driving is even viable anymore. When asking 18–25-year-olds, 79% say recent fuel rises have made them entirely reconsider whether car ownership is worth it at this stage of life, while 44% admit they’ve already cut back on car use.
Instead of simply accepting the financial strain, young adults are taking proactive steps to protect their hard-earned cash, with 46% saying they would rather put car money into savings, 38% would prefer to use it towards big life goals like buying a home, and 31% would rather spend it on enjoying their youth while they can.
Meanwhile, fuel costs are also forcing real sacrifices. From cutting back on takeaways (31%) and new clothes (24%), to dipping into savings (31%) or even scaling back socialising (28%), young drivers are feeling the squeeze everywhere. Additionally, 31% now rely on parents or grandparents for help paying for fuel, while 21% have begun asking for petrol money when giving someone a lift.
Research by motoring group, the RAC, recently found that, on average, the price of diesel, across the UK, has risen by as much as 49.2p per litre only since the beginning of March.
Darren Roe, Managing Director at Stagecoach East, said: “Being young right now is expensive. Between managing everyday bills and trying to save for the future, the rising cost of fuel has become a major roadblock for many 18 to 25-year-olds. Getting behind the wheel used to be the ultimate symbol of coming of age, but staggering petrol prices are changing the narrative.
“For decades, owning a car felt like the only way to secure true freedom. But as the cost of driving spirals, that freedom has started to feel like a financial pothole.
“We understand this is a challenging landscape and it is only getting harder for young people trying to balance work, social lives, and their finances. We want young adults to know that taking the bus is a viable, smart choice. It allows you to keep your independence, save your money for the things that really matter, and travel in a way that is responsible and reliable.”
Meanwhile, Stagecoach has recently announced upgrades to its app, allowing customers to make a savvy choice to save money by buying bundles of DayRider tickets. Under the upgraded scheme, discounts of 10%, 20% and 30% are now available, with tickets valid for up to 12 months. Find out more at https://stagecoach.onelink.me/2899670060?pid=external-site&c=Multi-buy&af_channel=newspaper/magazine&af_sub1=Stagecoach-East&af_sub3=Press-Release-Intro-1&is_retargeting=true&af_dp=st%3A%2F%2FjourneyPlanner