Analysis of the COVID-19 pandemic on preferences of transport modes

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the entire world and changed many aspects of daily life, including transportation behaviour and preferences. This study examines the situation of transportation behaviour and preferences before and after the COVID-19 pandemic process through a survey study. A total of 471 people participated in the survey, and thirty questions were asked to participants regarding transportation modes preference, daily usage habits, public transportation usage rate, income status, perceived risk level of transportation systems, preferences before and after the pandemic process, and more. The answers were classified, evaluated, and statistically analysed. The results showed that users were significantly affected by the COVID-19 process and changed their transportation mode preferences. The use of buses in urban journeys decreased, and the use of private vehicles significantly increased after the COVID-19 process. Hygiene was the key factor in travel, and it was followed by the vehicle occupancy rate, ventilation, fare, and travel time factors, respectively. The perceived risk levels of public transportation systems were ranked as metrobus, minibus (paratransit), bus, metro, tram, and ferry. The study suggests that future transportation system designs should consider user preferences, as well as changes in education and working conditions, and pandemic conditions.