Mobility patterns after the pandemic: a survey in 20 European cities

The results of a wide survey with 10 000 participants in 20 European cities suggest that mobility patterns in 2021 were still affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. The survey explores the factors that influence the respondents’ choices as regards trip generation, distribution and modal choice. The behavioural changes resulting from mobility restrictions in 2020 and the adoption of technological alternatives such as teleworking, video-conferencing, or online shopping limited the number of trips, but the gradual return to normality is also leading to a rebound in transport activity. The results reveal an increased use of cars for daily urban mobility, which may be sustained in the future. The main reason seems to be an increased level of users’ risk aversion and their avoidance of public transport or other shared modes. Such a trend can be also alarming as regards the future prospects of emerging technologies and business models, e.g. micro-mobility or Mobility-as-a-Service applications.