Analysis of taxi travels during an epidemic period using system dynamics method

Abstract

This paper explores the factors influencing taxi travel in the context of COVID-19 from both demand and supply sides and provides a quantitative comparison of taxi travel characteristics and taxi industry operations before and after the epidemic. A model was established using system dynamics to simulate a taxi travel system, which was used to analyze the changes in demand and supply of taxi travel under scenarios such as closedowns, travel restrictions, etc. The analysis is based on a typical middle-sized city in China, Ningbo in Zhejiang Province, revealing factors leading to the significant drop in the amount of taxi travel due to the epidemic. The study can provide insights into impacts of public (or similar anomalous or catastrophic) events on taxi travel systems and could be useful for urban transport planning and management.