Urban dynamics and Gen-Z mobility: The influence of land use diversity and density on daily trip patterns in Indonesia

Abstract

This study aims to assess the impact of land use—specifically land diversity and density—on the trip patterns of Gen-Z in developing cities like Indonesia, where public transport infrastructure is limited. Using travel history data from GMaps Timeline, the movements of 1,057 individuals were analyzed over 150 days on a 24-hour continuous basis, with 65.56% representing Gen-Z and the remainder older generations as a comparison group. Of the 579,360 trips observed, the findings indicate that density and land use diversity significantly influence the number of daily trips and daily mileage per trip. The study also identifies differences in mobility patterns between Gen-Z and older generations and highlights the role of gender in shaping trip patterns in urban areas. The practical implications of the findings emphasize the importance of urban planning strategies that integrate high-density, mixed-use areas to reduce reliance on private vehicles and promote sustainable transportation options. Enhancing the diversity of land use and developing pedestrian-friendly environments enables cities to address the mobility preferences of Gen-Z, which tend to favor sustainable transport modes. Furthermore, this research underscores the critical role of appropriate infrastructure development in fostering sustainable mobility for younger generations. Without such infrastructure and supportive urban planning, the potential to optimize sustainable transport preferences among Gen-Z remains limited. This highlights the urgency for policymakers to prioritize investments in public transport systems and land use policies that promote accessible, efficient, and sustainable urban mobility.

Keywords

• Density
• Diversity
• Gen-Z
• Land use
• Urban mobility