A comprehensive analysis of the trip frequency behavior in COVID scenario

Abstract

The fear of infection of COVID-19 among people has greatly reduced their intention to travel, which needs a deeper understanding to aid the policy-makers in framing robust guidelines to ensure safe travel. This paper aims to present a critical understanding of the traveler’s willingness to reduce their trip frequency, using psycho attitudinal analysis of the variables impacting the travel behavior. For this purpose, a web-based survey was conducted across India, and demographic, socio economic and psycho-attitudinal data was collected from 410 individuals, from across 21 states of India. Information regarding the psycho-attitudinal data was collected using a set of indicators. After extraction of latent factors from these indicators using factor analysis, factor scores were determined for each individual for these latent factors. Subsequently, ordered logistic regression models were used to understand the influence of these pandemic-oriented variables upon an individual’s intention to travel for essential, recreational and work trips. In the estimation results, majority of the respondents showed a willingness to reduce their essential and recreational trips compared with work trips. The awareness regarding the disease and the regionality of respondents showed a significant influence on their decision. The study concludes by presenting the policy implications of the analysis.