Joint Model for In-Person and Online Participation in Grocery Shopping, Health Services, Personal Business, and Dine In after the Pandemic

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s crucial to understand how in-person and online activity engagement has changed, as their impacts on travel differ. For instance, ordering a meal for delivery might replace a restaurant trip, whereas online shopping could suppress more trips by increasing home-based activities. Conversely, online engagement may save time that, if spent on discretionary travel, will increase travel. Therefore, this study explores the impact of COVID-19 on in-person and online non-mandatory activities using data from a 2022 web-based survey in the Okanagan region, British Columbia, Canada. We examine in-person grocery shopping, personal business, health services, dine-in activities, and their online counterparts using a multivariate ordered probit model. This model uncovers interdependencies among activities and confirms the influence of sociodemographic factors, technology accessibility, mobility tools, attitudes, transport infrastructure, and land use attributes. Key findings reveal that online food ordering is positively linked with frequent online personal business, indicating that individuals are comfortable with various online activities. Regular in-person business activities boost dine-out frequency, showing efficient time management. Additionally, young adults are more likely to engage in online shopping and dining out. Transport infrastructures in residential areas positively influence in-person activities. These findings suggest significant implications: older adults need support for equitable digital engagement, and exposure to ICT devices could help. Planners and policymakers should carefully evaluate the diverse effects of online non-mandatory activities; for example, telemedicine may reduce congestion and emissions, whereas online shopping’s impact depends on delivery and pick-up modes.