Employment and Travel Survey
To understand the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic's impacts on public attitudes, working arrangements, and travel behaviors, OCTA worked with a market research firm to conduct a scientific survey during July 2020. The findings will assist OCTA in its mission to develop an integrated and balanced transportation system that supports the diverse travel needs and reflects the character of Orange County.
According to the survey, COVID-19 impacts have been dramatic:
- Unemployment increased from 4% to 18% between February and June.
- Working from home increased from 0.8 days per week to 2.6 days per week for the average employee.
- Working exclusively from home increased from 12% to 47% of employees.
- Reductions in commute and non-work trips have resulted in large decreases in transit, active transportation, and rideshare usage.
- Reductions in transit, active transportation, rideshare, and driving are occurring for a mix of reasons – higher unemployment, remote work, and fewer opportunities for non-work trips.
- Once the pandemic is over, about half of employees prefer to maintain (or increase) the percentage of days they work remotely.
Employment & Travel Survey Summary Report (2020) Survey Presentation (2020)