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. 2020 Nov:8:100255.
doi: 10.1016/j.trip.2020.100255. Epub 2020 Nov 4.

Exploring the impacts of COVID-19 on travel behavior and mode preferences

Muhammad Abdullah  1 , Charitha Dias  2 , Deepti Muley  2 , Md Shahin  3
Affiliations

Exploring the impacts of COVID-19 on travel behavior and mode preferences

Muhammad Abdullah et al. Transp Res Interdiscip Perspect. 2020 Nov.

Abstract

Various measures were recommended or imposed by the governments to control the spread of COVID-19. Travel behaviors are significantly influenced due to such measures. However, people have various travel needs ranging from grocery shopping to work. This study examines the changes that occurred in travel behavior due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected through an online questionnaire survey that included questions on trip purpose, mode choice, distance traveled, and frequency of trips before and during COVID-19. 1203 responses were collected from various countries around the world. Results explained that trip purpose, mode choice, distance traveled, and frequency of trips for the primary travel were significantly different before and during the pandemic. Further, the majority of trips were made for shopping during the pandemic. There was a significant shift from public transport to private transport and non-motorized modes. People placed a higher priority on the pandemic related concerns while choosing a mode during the pandemic as compared to the general concerns. Gender, car ownership, employment status, travel distance, the primary purpose of traveling, and pandemic-related underlying factors during COVID-19 were found to be significant predictors of mode choice during the pandemic. Outcomes of this study could be useful in transport planning and policymaking during pandemics based on the travel needs of people. In particular, government authorities could utilize such knowledge for planning smart and partial lockdowns. Service providers, e.g., taxi companies and retailers, could use such information to better plan their services and operations.

Keywords: COVID-19; Modal shift; Mode choice; Travel behavior; Travel patterns.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Resident countries of the respondents.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Change in commuting behaviors due to COVID-19.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Primary purpose of traveling before and during COVID-19 pandemic.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Change in primary trip purpose and McNemar Test results.
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Distance traveled for primary outdoor trips before and during COVID-19 pandemic.
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
Number of primary outdoor trips per week before and during COVID-19 pandemic.
Fig. 7
Fig. 7
Mode for primary outdoor trips before and during COVID-19 pandemic.
Fig. 8
Fig. 8
Mode shift for the primary purpose and McNemar Test results.
Fig. 9
Fig. 9
Distribution of responses for factors affecting mode choice before COVID-19.
Fig. 10
Fig. 10
Distribution of responses for factors affecting mode choice during COVID-19.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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