The Lasting Effects of the Pandemic on Travel Patterns: A Study of Trip Generation

The coronavirus pandemic had a significant effect on traffic volumes; the closures lead to a change in travel patterns and driver behaviors. This study evaluates the trip generation associated with commercial properties that remained open using a before, during, and post-pandemic lockdown approach. The study identified an anomaly in trip generation during the height of the pandemic pertaining to a specific commercial property type, where trips increased by 12% and 56% in the AM and PM periods. The results during the post-pandemic period were found to remain elevated at a rate of 8% to 36% higher in the AM and PM periods, and indicate a lasting change in driver behavior. This change should be considered when conducting future traffic studies or using data collected during the pandemic. An adjustment factor was also developed to adjust data collected during the pandemic and current post-pandemic lockdown times.