How COVID-19 is Reshaping Public Transportation

A traffic jam of publlic transportation vehicles in the heart of downtown Chicago

A new study presented by the International Association of Public Transport, claims the COVID-19 pandemic is creating an opportunity for cities to enhance their public transportation. The study assessed the impact of the crisis on 12 key mobility trends with a focus in 3 areas – global, behavioral, and technology market. According to the authors of the study, while passenger demand will slightly decrease, new innovations will drive improvement to public transportation operations. However, this depends on how policymakers and transport operators seize the opportunity. 

If you’re a business owner in the transportation industry, it’s important to stay on top of regulations that are affecting you. By utilizing the Agenda Discovery legislative tool, you can keep track of bills that are occurring at all levels of government.

Table of Contents

COVID-19’s Impact on Public Transportation

For many cities, public transportation is the backbone of the local economy. It provides people with access to other areas of the community, as well as a way to get to work, school, and shopping. But due to COVID-19, many city’s public transportation institutions have seen a large decrease in riders.

While many organizations have implemented rules that reduce overcrowding and face masks requirements, many people feel unsafe boarding trains and bus lines. While there are fewer riders, there are still people who rely on these services. As a result, services have continued and operators have begun to look towards their future.

Restructuring Public Transportation

While many cities are seeing fewer riders, it does create an opportunity for organizations to reshape the infrastructure of their operations. For instance, there are cities that are utilizing their transportation resources to improve servicing critical locations like hospitals, grocery stores, and food banks. For Ivy League University, they replaced their fixed-route shuttle service with an on-demand service, so riders have a safe mobility option to get essential needs.

To plan for a post-coronavirus world, city planners and policymakers have begun rethinking their city’s transportation infrastructure. Issues such as climate change, commuter traffic, and health safety have been a big part of public transportation restructuring long before the health crisis. Now that there is limited ridership, it gives organizations the ability to evaluate their systems.

Innovations in Public Transportation

By embracing key innovations, the public transportation industry can create an improved future for its riders. With a boost in funding, modes of transportation such as buses, commuter trains, micro-mobility, and ride-sharing may become a part of a broader public transit network. In doing so, there is potential to increase commuter uptake of the transit system. 

Reducing carbon emissions is another factor that is being addressed in public transportation. According to the Department of Transportation, public transit produces far less CO2 emissions than private vehicles. The industry can improve on this even further if they invest in options that have lower CO2 capabilities. 

Take The Driver’s Seat When It Comes to Laws Impacting Your Business

It’s hard to keep up with all of the regulations that are making their rounds in legislation. As a business owner, the task can be daunting, but with the right tools, it doesn’t have to be. At Agenda Discovery, we make it easy to stay on top of policies that matter to you with our legislative tracker. Request a demo today to see for yourself.

Recommended Posts