Understanding the changes in long-distance travel behavior due to socio-economic and pandemic drivers

Abstract

The unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic massively affected the long-distance trips all over the world. Like other countries worldwide, inter-regional mobility restrictions with the capital city were also imposed in Bangladesh to control the spread of coronavirus. Therefore, it is important to examine the changes in long-distance travel behavior to understand people's mobility needs and responses during travel restrictions, as well as the influences of individuals' socio-economic conditions and the country's COVID severity on their travel decisions. Data for this research were collected from 402 respondents in Dhaka using online questionnaires. Voluntary response and convenience sampling techniques were followed in this study. Moreover, district-wise COVID data was obtained from the dashboard of Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Descriptive statistics and spatial analyses were employed in this study. In addition, binary logistic regression model and mixed-effect logistic regression model were developed to understand the underlying factors behind the changes in long-distance travel behavior during the pandemic. The findings reveal that the majority of the respondents decreased their long-distance trips during the first pandemic wave. A notable percentage of trip makers' long-distance trip patterns and mode use remained the same as their pre-pandemic situation. Access to private cars was a positive determinant for long-distance trips during the pandemic; hence, the excess cost of private transportation compelled people to use risky public transportation. The presence of elderly individuals and children in households reduced the likelihood of traveling longer distances during the pandemic. Hygiene and safety from COVID-19 contamination were the main concerns for respondents while choosing long-distance travel modes. Individuals' high-risk perception regarding COVID-19 decreased the probability of traveling longer-distance during the pandemic. In general, travelers relatively less preferred COVID hotspots as their long-distance trip destinations during the first pandemic wave. This study's recommendations will assist planners and policymakers in designing a safe and affordable long-distance transport corridor during future pandemics.