A recent study from the Economic and Social Research Institute found that those who grow up in areas with better access to public transport are less likely to rely on cars when they're older.
The ESRI's report suggests that investments in public transport has long-term benefits for the environment and congestion as they found that those with access to public transport are less likely to learn how to drive.
The ESRI found that "at age 20, 60% of people living in areas that lack public transport have learned to drive, compared with just 40% in areas with good access."
"A five-year delay in learning to drive is linked to driving 1,500 kilometres less annually," it added.
The study found that improving public transport in underserved areas could lead to a long-term reduction in car use by reducing the need or pressure for people to obtain a driving licence.
The ESRI also found that making public transport more accessible to young people through reduced fares and frequent, reliable services could have lasting effects on their driving habits.
"The results are thus consistent with policies such as the 50% reduction in fares associated with the Young Adult TFI Leap Card in Ireland, free bus travel for under 22-year-olds in Scotland and discounted monthly passes for young people in Germany and Austria," it added.
Senior research officer with the ESRI Dr Shane Timmons via RTE that the study aims to understand how to help and encourage people to make more sustainable decisions when it comes to transport. Their findings reveal that public transport must be more "accessible, affordable and attractive for young people."
"You don't just have an effect on improving public transport in terms of traffic today, but 10 years, 20 years down the line, those young people who had access to that public transport will drive less than they would have otherwise," Timmons said.
