Study on Variation in Mobility and Travel Behavior during the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Case Study in Western Province, Sri Lanka

The impact of the pandemic on travel behavior has evolved as COVID-19 progressed worldwide. The mobility patterns and the frequency of travel have significantly changed over time. This study focuses on identifying the changes in travel behavior among residents in the Western Province of Sri Lanka, specifically regarding the choice of transport modes for different trip purposes during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. To gather data, online questionnaire surveys were conducted in two phases, collecting information on trip frequencies and transport mode choices for various trip purposes during a typical week. The results indicate a notable decrease in the utilization of public and shared transportation modes for work trips, school trips, and other trips, followed by an increase in private modes soon after the initial wave. Although the shift in mobility patterns gradually decreased during the second wave, it did not return to pre-pandemic levels. Moreover, the findings reveal a transition from public transportation modes to alternative modes for all types of trips, accompanied by a decrease in out-of-home activities during the pandemic. The most common reasons for the change in transport modes were health concerns, government regulations, capacity constraints, and personal preferences. These results provide valuable insights for relevant authorities in planning for mobility needs during and after a pandemic like COVID-19 in the future.