Pandemic-Induced changes in Travel Behaviour: Insights of Pandemic’s Lasting impacts on Lahore’s Urban Mobility

Abstract

The COVID-19 epidemic, which began to spread globally in early 2020, created an abrupt change that has brought with it unimaginable challenges and profound adjustments to many elements and areas of human existence. This research delves into how the COVID-19 pandemic transformed travel patterns in Lahore, Pakistan.  It analyzes the surveys conducted to understand people's travel behaviors before, during, and after the pandemic's peak. The survey consists of total 38 questions concerning about the travel pattern of participants in pre-pandemic, during pandemic and post-pandemic along with socioeconomic factors. Factor analysis has been used to analyse the collected data. For factor analysis seven latent variable have been determined. The results show a significant change in travel pattern of individuals. During the pandemic, public transportation utilization fell drastically, and this decline persisted long after restrictions were lifted. In the same manner, there was a decline in the use of carpooling and taxis, following a subsequent partial recovery. In addition, the pandemic appears to have pushed people towards habit of online shopping and some people and offices towards remote working. This shift towards virtual alternatives may have long-term effects as individuals get used to of these new schedules. Furthermore, there have been a decline in social visits such as family, friends and social works including expos, volunteer and community works. Essentially, the research highlights the COVID-19 pandemic as a watershed moment for travel patterns in Lahore. It triggered a rise in personal car use, a surge in remote work and online shopping, and a temporary decline in social visits by car. The research indicates that certain modifications, including the adoption of remote work and virtual communication, could eventually become standard practices, impacting urban living and working patterns.