FACTORS INFLUENCING PRE- AND POST-COVID-19 TRANSPORT MODE SHIFT IN WORKPLACE TRAVEL

Abstract

The current modal share between private and public transport in Malaysia still falls short of its 50:50 goal. The continued reliance on private transport for workplace travel faces further aggravation in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. Aiming to understand this concern, this study pursued two key objectives; (i) to explore shifts in transport mode choices before and after Covid-19; and (ii) to identify the significant factors influencing these shifts. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, focusing specifically on workplace commuting (n=113). The McNemar’s test was used to determine the significance of transport mode shifts from public to private transport and vice versa, while the Mann-Whitney U test was employed to determine the significance of various factors on these shifts. Four primary factors were examined: cost, accessibility, comfort, and hygiene concerns. The findings showed that (i) a discernible shift in transport modes occurred (Q= 38.72, p>.05), with a notable trend of individuals transitioning from public to private transport due to the Covid-19 pandemic; (ii) hygiene concerns (mean rank= 72.36, U= 807.0, p<.000) and comfort (mean rank= 64.73, U= 1188.5, p= .013) emerged as statistically significant influencers of this shift; and (iii) while cost (mean rank= 65.28, U= 1053.5, p= .001) is an important determinant of transport mode preferences, it was not found to be a significant factor driving mode shifts. A comprehensive examination of pandemic-induced transport mode preferences yields crucial insights for shaping transportation infrastructure and services, facilitating sustainable development in line with UN SDGs. Understanding these influences is vital for effective policy-making and achieving desired modal shares.