Examining Travel Mode Preference for the COVID-19 Post-Vaccination Period: Insights from Dhaka, Bangladesh

Abstract

This research investigates preferences of general public towards travel modes in the COVID-19 post-vaccination times. First, a questionnaire survey is conducted in Dhaka, Bangladesh, to gather information on people's socio-demographic characteristics, travel choices before, during, and after the pandemic, and attitudes towards public transit, active transport, and personal car. Next, three ordered logit models are developed to explore how mode preferences vary across socio-demographics, travel characteristics, and risk perceptions. This research identifies factors that contribute to commuters' travel mode preference as well as factors that act as deterrents. Analysis reveals that there will be a noticeable shift from public transport to private car and active transport. To be able to walk or bike to work, people may consider relocating closer to their workplaces. Individuals who used a private car before vaccination may continue to do so after being vaccinated. Additionally, women are more likely to prefer own vehicles while people aged more than 49 years are less likely to prefer public transport. Results also suggest that use of food delivery services, ridesharing, and working from home significantly affects travel mode preference. Individuals who never used ridesharing services are more likely to prefer walking and bicycling after vaccination. The outcomes of this study are expected to assist transport policymakers in the Global South to better understand COVID-19′s long-term influence on mode choice behavior and help in developing pragmatic policies to promote sustainable travel habits.