Work

The aftermath of Covid-19: Changes in travel mode attributes for young males and females in Cape Town

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: The effects of considering different COVID-19 pandemic scenarios on attributes of transport modes for females and males are explored in this paper. The COVID-19 pandemic heavily affected the transport system of Cape Town, South Africa. Young adults, in particular, experienced high uncertainty, stress, and anxiety levels, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Data was collected from University of Cape Town students in online surveys. Individuals were assigned to one of three COVID-19 scenarios: ‘before’ (n=192), ‘during’ (n=210) and ‘after COVID-19’ ( n = 229). Females and males consistently differed significantly in their perceived personal security, regardless of the COVID-19 scenarios. This paper shows that some transport modal attributes were affected differently per gender, ‘before’, ‘during’, and ‘after COVID-19’ scenarios. This provides insights into how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the transport attributes of young adults in Cape Town in the ‘missing middle’ and higher-income groups. Personal security is a main priority, especially for females, but is also relevant for males. This should be addressed in shared transport modes if young adults are to be drawn away from car ownership.

Source: African Transport Studies

DOI: 10.1016/j.aftran.2024.100016

Authors: Jennifer Louisa Baufeldt, Marianne Vanderschuren

Institution: University of Cape Town

Language: English

Topic: Transportation and Mobility Innovations

Subfield: Automotive Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $1,500