The Impact of COVID-19 on User Perceptions of Public Transit, Shared Mobility/Micro-Mobility Services, and Emerging Vehicle Types

Principal Investigator(s):

Konstantina “Nadia” Gkritza, Professor of Civil and Agricultural and Biological Engineering – Purdue University
Director of Sustainable Transportation Systems Research Group (STSRG) – Purdue University
Campus Director – NSF ASPIRE Engineering Research Center

Project Abstract:
The objective of this project is to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on user perceptions of public transit, shared mobility services, and emerging vehicle types (electric, connected, and autonomous vehicles). As transportation systems remain at the forefront of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is critical to examine the transportation trends and behaviors of shared modes’ and emerging vehicle types’ users to best plan for transportation policies in the long-run. We propose to conduct user surveys and behavioral experiments in select communities with different levels of transit and smart mobility usage [Indianapolis (low), Salt Lake City(medium), and Chicago (heavy)] to assess user perceptions for public transit, emerging technologies such as ridesharing, electric vehicles, and micro-mobility services in the COVID era. The impacts of the pandemic on user perceptions for public transit, shared mobility/micro-mobility services, and emerging vehicle types will be discussed followed by the corresponding planning/policy implications on transportation system utilization. This project will be of interest to the research community, transit operators, shared mobility and micro-mobility services operators, and other transportation professionals to help them gain a better understanding of the impacts of the pandemic on user perceptions for public transit, shared mobility, and micro-mobility services.

Institution(s): Purdue University

Award Year: 2021

Research Thrust(s): Policy & Planning

Project Form(s):