Belgeo (Oct 2022)

Commuting behaviour in times of the COVID-19 pandemic: a comparative first and second wave study from Latvia

  • Zaiga Krisjane,
  • Elina Apsite-Berina,
  • Girts Burgmanis,
  • Toms Skadins,
  • Maris Berzins

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4000/belgeo.55939
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 3

Abstract

Read online

Since early 2020 Europe has been coping with previously unfamiliar economic and social distress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the virus’s uncontrollable spread (SARS-CoV-2) has thoroughly affected behavioural patterns, societal well-being, and everyday activities. With this study, we aim to contribute to the differences in daily commuting patterns between the first and second waves of the COVID-19 pandemics. Moreover, we seek to uncover factors and territorial differences in population mobility behaviour during the “COVID crisis”.As a method for insight into this, we used a CAWI population survey. Survey took place in March 2021 with a total sample of n=1023 respondents. Comparatively, we asked to report on the situation in 2020 and 2021, representing the first and second waves of the outbreak in Latvia. The paper we structured around three research questions: 1) What are the differences in daily commuting patterns during Latvia’s first and second COVID-19 wave? 2) How do commuting patterns translate into regional differences? 3) What sociodemographic characteristics influence commuting habits?The findings suggest that around one-third of the population started working from home (WFH) along with the implemented restrictions. We find that the distinct ability to perform WFH is a pivotal contributor to socioeconomic disparities in commuting behaviour. No significant differences in daily commuting habits in Latvia were found when comparing the first and second waves. However, the heterogeneity of the findings appears when comparing the results among regions, age groups, education and occupations. We found a low “COVID crisis” impact on travel behaviour for less advanced population groups. And high impact or even far-reaching socioeconomic inequalities compared to students or those WFH with higher education, qualified specialists, managers, company owners and persons employed in the tertiary sector, as they are those coping with the most evident changes in their daily lives.

Keywords