2025 PSR UTC Annual Congress

Understanding Disparities in Activity Participation in Post-Pandemic California: A Clustering Analysis Approach

This study examines disparities in post-pandemic activity participation among disadvantaged groups in California, highlighting the role of socio-demographics, mobility limitations, and the built environment in shaping travel behavior. During the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals facing financial hardship, mobility constraints, or limited transportation options experienced significant challenges in accessing daily activities, exacerbating social isolation and economic hardships. While health restrictions have been lifted, it remains unclear whether these disparities have persisted in the post-pandemic era. By applying an equity lens, this research aims to assess whether pandemic-induced mobility inequalities continue to shape participation in discretionary (e.g., social and leisure activities such as attending concerts, meeting friends, or exercising outside) and utilitarian activities (e.g., running errands, attending regular non-work meetings such as church or social club gatherings).

Using data from the California Mobility Panel (CMP), a statewide survey designed to capture evolving travel behavior and mobility patterns, we employ a latent class cluster analysis to identify distinct activity participation groups and analyze their characteristics. The Fall 2023 wave of the CMP provides a timely snapshot of travel behavior after the removal of COVID-related restrictions, offering insights into how mobility patterns have stabilized. The survey was administered through multiple recruitment channels to ensure a diverse and representative sample, capturing individuals from urban, suburban, and rural communities with varying socio-economic and mobility backgrounds.

The findings reveal that individuals with mobility limitations, including older adults and those with disabilities, report the lowest levels of activity participation. In particular, individuals with walking limitations are significantly less likely to engage in social activities, while those with restrictions in public transit use are more likely to rely on active travel modes when feasible. Financial constraints also continue to play a major role, as lower-income individuals and those struggling to pay bills engage in significantly fewer discretionary and utilitarian activities, likely due to the cost of travel. Additionally, those residing in low-density, car-dependent neighborhoods experience greater mobility restrictions, as limited access to transit and inadequate pedestrian infrastructure further reduce participation levels. The analysis highlights that while transit remains critical in providing mobility options for some disadvantaged groups, an overreliance on car-dependent environments reinforces barriers to activity participation.

The study underscores the need for policy interventions that improve transportation access for disadvantaged populations. Expanding affordable and accessible transportation options, enhancing pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, and promoting mixed-use developments can help bridge mobility gaps. Additionally, targeted programs addressing the financial burdens of travel could facilitate greater participation in daily activities, reducing social isolation and improving overall well-being. These findings emphasize the importance of an inclusive, equity-driven approach to transportation planning that ensures all individuals, regardless of socio-economic status or physical ability, have access to essential services and social opportunities.