Post-pandemic activity-travel behavior across generations: insights from a large-scale travel survey in Halifax, Canada

Md. Rifat Hossain Bhuiyan and Muhammad Ahsanul Habib

Chapter 7 in Research Handbook on Transport and COVID-19, 2025, pp 151-164 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: This study aimed to investigate the shifts in activity-travel behavior across four generations of Halifax residents during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. To gauge the post-pandemic recovery of urban mobility, the study utilized data from the Halifax Travel Activity Survey (HaliTRAC) to analyze individuals’ activity engagement, life-stage transitions, and transportation mode preferences. Findings revealed a resurgence in mobility patterns, with activities such as commuting to work, using public transit, grocery shopping, and dining out showing increased frequencies in the post-COVID-19 period. While telecommuting remained popular, there was a notable preference for hybrid work arrangements. Across generations, Baby Boomers emerged as the most resistant to post-pandemic changes, displaying reluctance towards online shopping and alternative transportation options such as transit and ride-sharing services. In contrast, younger generations (Millennials and Gen Z) demonstrated a renewed interest in public transit usage, alongside a consistent adoption of sustainable modes like walking and biking. Insights gained from this research on user preferences can inform policy decisions and provide valuable guidance for modeling and preparing for potential disruptions in mobility in the future.

Keywords: COVID-19; Activity-travel behavior; Generational effect; Mode choice; Activity participation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
ISBN: 9781802208009
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