Online Ride-hailing Service Demand Determinants amidst the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Advances in mobile internet technology and the needs for more reliable and flexible on-demand transport services are among the major parts that have globally boosted the popularity of online ride-hailing service market over the recent decade. Unlike the conventional for-hire paratransit services, ride-hailing services are mobile application-based platforms allowing travellers to conveniently tailor their journeys, book rides, and pay for services according to their requirements such as service types (on-demand or pre-arranged), vehicle types, routes, and fares. Despite that, with an ongoing pandemic crisis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), social distancing and work-from-home measures have subsequently been implemented to minimise the risks of contracting the disease, causing massive changes in both commute and personal travel patterns.

This research therefore aims to gain a greater insight into whether and how the pandemic has temporarily and/or permanently affected commuters’ travel behaviour, focusing on those using ride-hailing services. In this paper, an exploratory data analysis based on the stated preference questionnaire survey collected from former and existing customers of online ride-hailing services in Chiang Mai is presented. The results can confirm disruptive impacts of the pandemic in demand for public transport. Various determinants influencing the demand for ride-hailing services can also be pointed out including those relating to socio-economic status, transport modes and facilities, and psychological attitudes towards hygiene and environments.