The Impact of COVID-19 on Travel Behaviour, Transport, Lifestyles and Residential Location Choices in Scotland Dataset, 2021

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Edinburgh Napier University’s Transport Research Institute has been undertaking a study into its impact on transport and travel in Scotland. As part of this research, a travel behaviour questionnaire was developed focusing on daily travel as well as people’s long-term travel habits, attitudes and preferences during the different phases of the pandemic outbreak. The associated questionnaires were completed by participants between 3rd February 2021 and 17th February 2021 using the online platform, Qualtrics. The survey was restricted to Scottish residents and involved enforcing quota constraints for age, gender and household income. A total of 994 responses were collected. Perceptions of risk, trust in information sources and compliance with COVID-19 regulations were determined together with changes in levels of ‘life satisfaction’ and modal choice following the onset of COVID-19. In addition, survey responses were used to identify anticipated travel mode use in the future. Consideration was also given to the effects of COVID-19 on transport related lifestyle issues such as ‘working from home’, online shopping and the expectations of moving residences in the future. The research provided an insight into both the relationships between the levels of non-compliance with COVID-19 regulations and demographic variables and the respondent attributes which might affect future public transport usage. In general, the study confirmed significant reductions in traffic activity, amongst respondents during the COVID 19 pandemic associated with walking, driving a car and either using a bus or train. The respondents also indicated that they anticipated they would continue to make less use of buses and trains at the end of the pandemic.

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