Investigating Post-Pandemic Impacts on the Mobility of Transportation Disadvantaged Groups
Restricted (Penn State Only)
- Author:
- Suria, Catherine
- Graduate Program:
- Civil Engineering
- Degree:
- Master of Science
- Document Type:
- Master Thesis
- Date of Defense:
- June 26, 2024
- Committee Members:
- Nikhil Menon, Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor
Sofia Margarita Vidalis, Committee Member
Grady Mathews, Professor in Charge/Director of Graduate Studies
Saravanan Gurupackiam, Committee Member - Keywords:
- Transportation disadvantage
transportation engineering
civil engineering
pandemic
COVID-19
travel behaviors
Exploratory Factors Analysis
Logit Model
transportation
mobility
transportation planning - Abstract:
- This thesis examines the shifts in transportation behaviors and choices before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically focusing on populations experiencing transportation disadvantages. Utilizing a comprehensive survey conducted across the United States from February to March 2024, the research analyzes how pandemic-induced disruptions have influenced transportation mode selections and the accessibility challenges faced by vulnerable groups. The study employs descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis, and binary and multinomial logit models to understand the dynamics of transportation mode choices and the factors influencing changes in these choices. Key findings indicate a significant shift towards more isolated and flexible transportation modes, such as private vehicles and active transportation, driven by an increased need for safety and social distancing. Notably, transportation disadvantaged populations—characterized by limited access due to economic, physical, or systemic barriers—experienced exacerbated challenges during the pandemic. The research illuminates how transportation mode choices have adapted in response to factors such as convenience, economic constraints, and household dynamics. It confirms that shifts observed during the pandemic are not temporary and are likely to continue into the foreseeable future. Furthermore, a framework for identifying individuals facing transportation disadvantage is introduced, successfully associating it with statistically significant challenges and demographics known to be indicative of this concept. This framework validates various perspectives under the broad definition of transportation disadvantage, which is characterized by inadequate access to essential resources. The thesis concludes with strategic recommendations for sustainable and inclusive transportation planning, underscoring the need to integrate technology and enhance support for disadvantaged groups. These findings enrich the evolving body of knowledge on transportation disadvantage, offering strategic insights that could lead to more equitable and responsive transportation systems in the future.