Apple's mobility trends show more people staying home, driving instead of taking public transit

Taiwan News
Date: 2020/04/16
By: Sophia Yang, Taiwan News, Staff Writer

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — As the coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread worldwide and lockdowns are extended, an Apple mobility trends report shows a dramatic drop in the number of people taking public transportation worldwide, including in Taipei.

The mobility data reflect the impact of the virus on the daily lives of Apple users across 131 countries and regions, showing them to have spent more time at home in the three months since mid-January, near the beginning of the outbreak. When they do have to go out, driving or walking is their first choice instead of taking public transit, the data reveal.

Apple pointed out that the information is generated by counting the number of requests made to Apple Maps for directions. The data sets are then compared to reflect a change in the volume of people driving, walking, or taking public transit around the world.

According to the data, Italy, which on March 9 became the first European country to implement a nationwide lockdown, recorded a 90 percent decrease in drivers in April as well as 94 percent and 95 percent reductions in those who walk and take public transit, respectively, compared to a month earlier.    [FULL  STORY]