Abstract

There were some new characteristics of urban transportation in the later stage of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigated the transportation-related emissions in major cities of Canada during the post-COVID-19 pandemic period, with a focus on evolving transportation behaviors and environmental effects. The analysis was based on data collected from various provinces in Canada, encompassing greenhouse gases (GHGs), traffic volume, fuel consumption by vehicles and airlines, and air quality. The aviation sector nearly reverted to pre-pandemic levels by 2022, with significant rebounding of kerosene-type jet fuel consumption. Emission analysis from September 2020 to December 2022 showed the changes in NO2, CO, SO2, PM2.5, and O3 levels. Key observations include a gradual return to pre-pandemic emission levels. For instance, the average NO2 levels in Vancouver showed variations from 14.2 ppb in 2020 to 15.4 ppb in 2022, while average CO levels fluctuated between 0.18 ppm in 2020 and 0.22 ppm in 2022. These changes are attributed to multiple factors, including the pandemic, fuel price hikes, increased electric vehicle usage, and altered commuting patterns. The results can help further explore the mobility and emissions patterns impacted by human activities, which have implications with respect to improving air quality and reducing GHG emissions in urban areas.