For Women’s History Month, PSRC examined the transportation habits of women and the changes experienced post-pandemic.
In this month's Puget Sound Trend , we analyzed data from the last three household travel surveys to see how travel purposes and priorities have changed since COVID-19. The 2017 and 2019 survey samples were combined to strengthen the statistical validity of the findings.
Compared to the 2017/2019 surveys, social and recreational trips in 2021 increased as practical trips (errands, work and school) decreased.
According to the Regional Household Travel Survey, there was a decrease in trips made by women escorting passengers, with 13% in 2017/2019 and 8% in 2021. Work and school trips had a 5% decrease, from 21% in 2017/2019 to 16% in 2021.
Shopping trips increased from 23% in 2017/2019 to 26% in 2021, and trips for social/recreational activities increased by 7% from 24% (2017/2019) to 31% (2021).
The overall shift in trips could be due to the accessibility of online grocery shopping, a chance to work remotely and an urge to get out more in a post-COVID world. For more information, check out this Puget Sound Trend .