Exploring Changes in Trip Generation and Impacts of Built Environment between Regular and Essential Trips: A Study Based on the Contiguous United States

The foundational understanding of trip generation encompasses the identification of how built environment factors impact both trip production and attraction. Previous studies have extensively examined the influence of regular travel scenarios. However, there is a gap in the impacts of built environment factors on essential travel. We investigate the dynamics of trip generation with a particular focus on essential travel. Leveraging cell phone data and modeling techniques, we analyze changes in trip generation at the census block group level for both weekdays and weekends, comparing the periods before and during the pandemic. Our results reveal substantial variations, notably highlighting the amplified impact of education facilities on trip production and the pronounced role of secondary roads in trip attraction during the pandemic. Also, we identified the significant influence of sociodemographic factors and residents’ habitual commuting choices on trip generation. These findings provide crucial insights into the relationship between the built environment and essential trip generation, offering guidance for transportation planners in effectively managing essential mobility needs.