Effects of Individual and Built Environmental Features on Commuting Mode Shifts before and after the COVID-19 Outbreak in Guangzhou, China

Abstract

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has had a significant impact on transportation. Understanding how the epidemic in China has affected people’s travel mode choices can help city managers analyze the travel mode of different populations in the postepidemic phase. Based on a travel behavior questionnaire conducted in Guangzhou, China, during the COVID-19 epidemic and points-of-interest data, this study explored the impact of the built environment, travel characteristics, and socioeconomic factors on changes in commuters’ travel modes during the postepidemic phase. We found that gender, age, occupation, the decline in the rate of travel frequency, and built environment characteristics significantly influenced the change in travel mode. When respondents had to give up public transport, those in different professions had different options for alternative means of transportation. The density of residential facilities, bus stations, and government institutions had a more significant impact on the change in the travel mode of commuters. The research results provide a theoretical basis for policy and practice. After the outbreak of a major public health event, urban transport managers and policymakers should consider individual heterogeneity and environmental factors when formulating strategies to address public travel in unconventional situations.