MORPC Looks at the Effect of COVID-19 on Transportation and Sustainability - MORPC

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June 11, 2020

As part of the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission’s (MORPC) ongoing work to understand the effect that COVID-19 and protocols to contain it had on MORPC’s areas of focus – including transportation and sustainability – data that show the impacts during the period of March through May have been made available.

“COVID-19 led to dramatic changes in how Central Ohioans have worked and traveled. Not only have there been fewer people driving on our roads, but also significant effects related to air travel, cargo, public transit and air quality.”

Thea Ewing, MORPC Director of Transportation & Infrastructure Development

Among the findings, which can be viewed at morpc.org/covid19-impacts, are:

Average daily traffic dropped significantly in mid-March throughout the region and has gradually increased since then.
Speed reduction during peak travel periods lessened, meaning traffic congestion was less significant and travelers could travel at posted speed limits.
Weekly passenger flow for air travel was reduced significantly – up to 97 percent compared to 2019.
Air cargo pounds decreased – most significantly in January, before COVID-19 was confirmed in Ohio – as a result of COVID-19’s impact on countries that have imports and exports moving through local airports.
Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) service and ridership decreased significantly for fixed route service, core Mainstream service and Mainstream on-demand service. These have gradually increased since.
Delaware County Transit service decreased, with ridership reduced to 30 percent of its typical ridership.

Relatedly, there are positive aspects when taking sustainability into consideration:

Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks visits, as well Central Ohio Greenways trail use, increased 35 percent in April as compared to April 2019.
Ozone pollution, which is monitored by MORPC, is eight percent below its five-year average and running at near 20-year low values. This is a result of fewer vehicles emissions as well as an especially rainy spring.

“This pandemic has certainly shown us that residents value and appreciate our public amenities, such as parks and trails. We will continue to work with our partners to enhance our greenways and greenspace systems so that more people have access and can continue to take advantage of sustainable opportunities even after the health crisis passes.”

Dr. Kerstin Carr, MORPC Director of Planning & Sustainability

Telework Survey

With more workers recently telecommuting, MORPC’s Gohio Commute program is conducting a survey to gain insight into Central Ohioans’ experiences while working from home. The Central Ohio Telework Survey is open through Sunday, June 21 and is also available in Spanish and Somali.

Survey responses will be used to develop a guide for employers interested in implementing a permanent work-from-home policy. The guide will contain information on various telework options, technology requirements, and best practices for employers and employees.

Survey respondents will be entered into a drawing for a $75 Visa gift card – although they may also respond anonymously.