Impact of Covid-19 on the Travel Behavior of Dhaka City Dwellers

Abstract

Since the outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), travel behavior has been impaired around the world. Several industries, including the transportation industry, have been hit hard by pandemics. The virus spreads through close contact with infected people, reducing the number of outdoor trips and reducing road and public transport congestion. To develop global transportation guidelines for COVID-19 and beyond, we need to find out how pandemics have affected travel behavior. This study used a questionnaire survey to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Dhaka Bangladesh’s travel patterns and transportation preferences. The results show that during the pandemic, the main purpose of travel has shifted significantly from work and study to shopping. The number of non-commuter trips was also significantly different before and during the pandemic. The government recommends or imposes various measures to curb the spread of COVID-19. Travel behavior is greatly influenced by such measures. However, people have a variety of travel needs, from grocery shopping to work. This study examines changes in travel behavior due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The data was collected through an online survey that included questions about the purpose of the trip, choice of transportation, distance traveled, and frequency of trips before and after COVID-19. 1217 responses were collected from different age, profession people around Dhaka. The results showed that the main trips before and during the pandemic differed significantly in purpose of travel, choice of transportation, distance traveled, and frequency of travel. In addition, most of the trips during the pandemic were for shopping. There was a clear transition from public transport to private non-electric transport. When choosing a mode during a pandemic, people prioritized pandemic-related concerns over general concerns. Gender, car ownership, employment status, distance traveled, the main purpose of travel, and the underlying pandemic-related factors in COVID 19 have been found to be important predictors of transportation choices during a pandemic. The results of this survey may be useful in pandemic transportation planning and policies based on people's travel needs. Government agencies can use such insights to plan smart and partial blockades.