Impacts of Public Health Crises on Travel Behavior of People with Disabilities

Strategic Insights -

A new study from the University of Hong Kong has shed light on the effects of public health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, on the travel behavior of people with disabilities (PwDs). The study, which analyzed data from 164,528 trips made by 3,833 account users of Rehabus Dial-a-Ride Service in Hong Kong between 2019 and 2020, reveals that PwDs experienced a more drastic decline in Rehabus trips (-37%) compared to the overall public transport patronage (-28%). The study also found that PwDs living in institutional homes were more affected by the pandemic than their community-dwelling counterparts.

Key Takeaways:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the travel behavior of people with disabilities (PwDs) in Hong Kong, with a 37% decline in Rehabus trips compared to a 28% decline in overall public transport patronage.
  • PwDs living in institutional homes were more affected by the pandemic than their community-dwelling counterparts.
  • Changes in journeys to work reflected the loss of jobs for PwDs and some involuntary shift from working full-time to part-time.
  • Reduc­tion rates for other trip purposes ranged from 51% to 87%.
  • An analysis of space-time prims (STP) showed a 48.25% shrinkage in the average daily mobility of PwDs during the peak of the pandemic.
  • User profiling and hot spot analysis identified the most vulnerable PwDs as those who travelled longer during high-and-rising-risk periods.
  • Spatially, the hot spots suggest a modal shift from public transport to Rehabus in wealthier areas and increased medical needs of PwDs living in disadvantaged neighborhoods.
  • The study underscores the need for adaptable and inclusive transport policies to cater for the special needs of PwDs during public health crises.

Statistics:

  • 164,528 trip records from 3,833 account users of Rehabus Dial-a-Ride Service in 2019 and 2020 were analyzed.
  • The study period covers six phases of the pandemic.
  • 37% decline in Rehabus trips for PwDs compared to a 28% decline in overall public transport patronage.
  • 48.25% shrinkage in the average daily mobility of PwDs during the peak of the pandemic.
  • 51%-87% reduction rates for other trip purposes.
  • 3,833 account users of Rehabus Dial-a-Ride Service participated in the study.

Sources:

  • "Impacts of Public Health Crises On Travel Behaviour of People With Disabilities: Insights From Hong Kong." Travel Behaviour and Society, 2025;41.
  • University of Hong Kong. Department of Geography.
  • Rehabus Dial-a-Ride Service.
  • Elsevier. Radarweg 29, 1043 Nx Amsterdam, Netherlands.
  • NewsRx. Reports from University of Hong Kong Advance Knowledge in Travel Behavior and Society (Impacts of Public Health Crises On Travel Behaviour of People With Disabilities: Insights From Hong Kong). Psychology & Psychiatry Journal. November 1, 2025; p 700.