On parents' choice of the school travel mode during the COVID-19 pandemic

Shuang Zhang; Peng Jing; Daibiao Yuan; Chenlu Yang; Shuang Zhang; Peng Jing; Daibiao Yuan; Chenlu Yang

doi:10.3934/mbe.2022438

Mathematical Biosciences and Engineering

2022, Volume 19, Issue 9: 9412-9436. doi: 10.3934/mbe.2022438

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Research article

On parents' choice of the school travel mode during the COVID-19 pandemic

School of Automotive and Traffic Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212000, China

Received: 22 April 2022 Revised: 21 June 2022 Accepted: 22 June 2022 Published: 28 June 2022

Based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and the protection motivation theory (PMT), this study examines the factors that influence parental choice of school travel mode during COVID-19. Structural equation modeling (SEM) and a hybrid choice model (HCM) are used to analyze this decision-making process. The results show that trust, perceived severity, perceived vulnerability, perceived built environment, attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control are significant factors. Perceived severity, perceived vulnerability, and the evaluation of pandemic risk, significantly impact the choice of public transit and private car, but not walking. Perceived built environment is the most critical factor influencing the choice of walking. The results provide a theoretical basis and reference for relevant government departments to formulate policies and measures during COVID-19.
- COVID-19 pandemic,
- hybrid choice model,
- parents,
- school travel,
- structure equation model
Citation: Shuang Zhang, Peng Jing, Daibiao Yuan, Chenlu Yang. On parents' choice of the school travel mode during the COVID-19 pandemic[J]. Mathematical Biosciences and Engineering, 2022, 19(9): 9412-9436. doi: 10.3934/mbe.2022438

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Abstract

Based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and the protection motivation theory (PMT), this study examines the factors that influence parental choice of school travel mode during COVID-19. Structural equation modeling (SEM) and a hybrid choice model (HCM) are used to analyze this decision-making process. The results show that trust, perceived severity, perceived vulnerability, perceived built environment, attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control are significant factors. Perceived severity, perceived vulnerability, and the evaluation of pandemic risk, significantly impact the choice of public transit and private car, but not walking. Perceived built environment is the most critical factor influencing the choice of walking. The results provide a theoretical basis and reference for relevant government departments to formulate policies and measures during COVID-19.

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