Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on citizens’ travel rules related to intelligent mobility use in Algeria

Abstract

The study focuses on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on ICT-related travel policy, based on a statistical analysis of the uptake and use of smart mobility services by the Algerian population before and during the crisis. A questionnaire distributed via the Internet on social networks was used to assess ICT use and evaluate the influence of personal factors on the choice and frequency of use of technologies in mobility. The sample consisted of 368 valid individuals. Several parametric and non-parametric tests were performed to address the hypotheses posed. The results suggest that the diffusion of COVID-19 would influence Algerian citizens’ mobility, which differs by gender, age group, location, and status. This work also examines the effectiveness of restrictions and tests ICT services in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although mobility changes according to need, some modes of transport adapt to circumstances and others do not. Policymakers should therefore consider these changes in travel policy to develop adequate services for future disasters.