COVID-19 impacts on non-work travel patterns: A place-based investigation using smartphone mobility data

Area of Science:

• Urban Planning
• Transportation Geography
• Public Health

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic drastically reshaped daily mobility patterns globally.
• Non-work travel is particularly sensitive to neighborhood socioeconomic status (SES) and destination accessibility.
• Existing inequalities may be amplified by pandemic-related mobility restrictions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare pre- and during-pandemic non-work travel patterns in El Paso, Texas.
• To analyze the differential impact of COVID-19 on travel based on neighborhood socioeconomic status.
• To identify potential exacerbation of mobility inequalities.

Main Methods:

• Utilized smartphone mobility data to track visits to non-work destinations (restaurants, parks, etc.).
• Analyzed travel data across 424 Census block groups, categorized by low- and high-income levels.
• Compared visitation frequency and travel distances before and during the pandemic.

Main Results:

• Overall non-work travel frequency and distance were impacted by the pandemic.
• Visitation patterns varied significantly by destination type and neighborhood SES.
• COVID-19's impact on non-work travel differed between high- and low-income areas, suggesting exacerbated inequalities.

Conclusions:

• The COVID-19 pandemic has widened existing mobility inequalities.
• Safe, affordable transportation and walkable community design are crucial, especially for low-income neighborhoods.
• Addressing these disparities is vital for supporting essential daily travel and leisure activities.